When I first started launched my blog, business budgeting was the last thing on my mind. Website development, social media engagement, digital products, and email funnels cluttered the top of my priority list. As the tax deadline approached, I quickly realized my mistake. Over the course of a few days, I huddled up with my online bank statements, grabbed several cups of coffee, and got to work on taking charge of my business budget.
Why Camping Is Our Favorite Frugal Vacation
Back in October 2018 we cash-flowed a 5th-wheel camper for $6,900 as one of our big financial goals for after we became debt-free. However, that’s not where our camping adventures began. My husband, Daniel, and I have been camping together since before we were even married. Camping is so much a part of our relationship history that we actually went tenting camping for our Honeymoon.
Back-in-the-day camping was basically the only kind of vacation we could afford…same goes for both of our childhoods…so over time we had learned to love it for its many positive aspects and now choose to do it for more than just the frugal reasons.
I know many people who turn their noses up to camping, but hear me out on my reasons why our family loves it so much, and why it’s the perfect frugal vacation.
EP. 45 Frequently Asked Budgeting Questions From The Community
I get asked so many great questions and there’s not always enough time for me to answer every single email or DM, which is why I wanted to share this Part 1 of a Frequently Asked Questions series. I got asked some great questions for this first episode, questions that I think will apply to most people on a debt-free journey, and I hope that they’re helpful to you as well.
Budget or Bust: Bridal Edition
Being a bride in our modern day economy is about as easy as Jon Snow taking the Iron throne. It works in theory, until you realize you’re screwed. From endless commercials, wedding websites, and TLC ‘reality’ TV shows, you’ve been programmed to believe what the “ideal” wedding should look like in every detail possible. While it is an exciting time of life, be aware of this scheme and take charge of your wallets ladies (and dudes)! Here are 5 tips I used while planning my wedding without going into any debt!
Summer Activities On A Budget
Summer is upon us my friends! Can you already hear your budget crying? Don’t worry! Yes, you might have to budget in a little more money for groceries if your kids aren’t usually home during the day, but you don’t have to budget in a ton of extra money into your “fun” category just because the season is changing! I’ve got your back with a few super frugal—yet fun—Summer activities!
EP. 44 Creating a Positively Delighted Life
Positivity is a learned behavior, it’s a muscle that can be grown over time through intentional habits and practices. Kelsey Henry from Positively Delighted is sharing her best tips for creating more positivity in your own life. She’s talking about her favorite affirmations, hobbies, books, and life lessons that have helped her transform her life.
What Sparked My Interest In FI/RE
“I’m going to quit my job in four years and live on a sailboat while traveling the world” - me two years ago. I set this ambitious goal after some financially big things happened at work. I heard of FI/RE years ago but wasn’t at the point to receive the information at the time. I knew we were headed that way after we finish our emergency fund, but I needed a method to get Josh fired up about it too.
Minimalism Inspiration
Minimalism was my first step towards intentional living which later led me to budgeting, positive thinking, improving my marriage, reading regularly, starting my business, prioritizing self-care, + a million other little things. If your life feels like a mess in just about every way…Minimalism is THE place to start! I’m sharing 6 resources to help you get started on your own Minimalism Journey…
EP. 43 How My Fresh Start Weekends Prepare Me For The Week Ahead
The idea behind a “Fresh Start Weekend” is about preparing for the week ahead, instead of feeling like you’re catching up from the previous week.
By adopting this mindset and taking care of these 5 main tasks you’ll be setting yourself up for success for the next 7 days.
Note that this doesn’t have to be done on Saturdays and Sundays. Whatever days of the week that work for you can be your “fresh start”. Look at what day or days you could plan to do these tasks and commit to it, prioritize it, and grow the habit.
Simple Savings Hacks
Think you know all the savings hacks there are? THINK AGAIN! We all can get into a rhythm of savings habits - but don't lose out on saving money because you're complacent in your day-to-day routine. The days of only clipped newspaper coupons are behind us friends! Switch it up and check out these 5 simple savings hacks!
EP. 42 Dealing With Debt + Depression
Mental health and money are arguably two of the most taboo topics of discussion in our society. However, so many people are struggling with not just one, but both, depression and debt. It's important to recognize that while on a debt free journey, you may struggle with a depressive dip - or experience anxiety surrounding money. This journey is not always easy, and your brain may try to sabotage your financial goals and dreams.
Thankfully, there are people in this community like Vee Weir from Vee Frugal Fox, who are open about their own journeys. Through her openness, Vee is helping to eliminate the stigma surrounding both subjects in our culture, and is sharing her best tips with us!
I Don't Have Time For That
Year of Trust: 2019 Goals Spring Update
Giving your goals a Spring update, by re-writing all of the goals you set at the beginning of the year, will help you put into perspective what areas need more attention or what could be cultivated in a different way. Refreshing your goals helps you re-focus and re-align with what matters most to you. This is the kind of thing that makes you actually achieve your goals and not just set and forget them half-way through the year like main-stream society.
EP. 41 My Best Advice On Starting Your Own Business Or Blog
Starting a business has so many amazing benefits that have helped me on my positive living journey in the form of self-care, a productive hobby, a creative outlet, giving me something to be excited about, + most importantly a way to help other women by sharing my story.
But I know that starting your own business or blog…whether it be a part-time, full-time, a side hustle, multi-level marketing, or a hobby…can seem a little overwhelming at first, especially if you’re brand new to the online business world. So, for all my ladies who are thinking about launching their own brand, business, or blog, I’m sharing my best pieces of advice + my favorite digital resources with you!
7 Must Have Tools For Your First Month Of Budgeting
Journey To Mortgage Freedom
It’s been such a relief to reach our final destination and our debt free date. After so long of being gazelle intense, we are looking forward to relaxing and finding our “new normal” after being so frugal for so long. We are sure going to enjoy a few treats and will keep sharing our adventures with you all along the way.
EP. 40 How To Pay Off Debt While Your Kids Are Still Little
A common thought in our society is that if you have children you’ll automatically have to struggle financially. It’s far too common for the average young family to be drowning in debt and feeling like that’s their only choice. However, Merliee from Easy Budget + her family are here to show others that getting out of $71k worth of debt, while having little kids, is not only possible…it’s actually pretty easy!
3 Simple Tips For Traveling With Kids
Mother’s Day Gifts On A Budget
EP. 39 Flipping Your Clutter Into Cash
When you first start out on your debt-free journey you’re probably going to need to find some extra cash to kick your budget into high gear. One of the best things you can do is to start selling things to make some quick extra money!
I’m sharing my best tips for taking all of the random clutter laying around your house and turning it into some extra cash to speed up your debt-free journey!