Inspired Budget
The Inspired Budget Podcast helps women live their best life and reach their money goals. Join Allison Baggerly for inspiring conversations to help you learn more about budgeting, saving money, paying off debt, and investing for your future. You’ll be hearing not only from Allison, but others along the way that have a story and voice to share.
#213: Teaching Kids Kitchen Skills That Save You Time and Money
In this episode, I talk with Katie Kimball about teaching kids kitchen skills that save both time and money. Katie shares practical advice for parents looking to build cooking independence in children while keeping grocery budgets in check.
In this episode you will learn:
How to teach age-appropriate kitchen skills to kids 10+ (like knife skills and stovetop cooking) that build independence while saving you timePractical strategies for managing summer snacking that won't break your budgetHow to implement a family cooking rotation where each child takes responsibility for an entire mealThis episode is...
#212: 6 Things I Regret Spending Money On (And What I Learned)
Just because I teach budgeting doesn’t mean I’ve always made perfect money choices. In this episode, I’m getting personal and sharing six purchases I regret. Not to shame myself or anyone else, but to show that we’re all learning as we go.
Some of these were impulse buys. Some were made with the best intentions. But all of them taught me something about values, priorities, and how sneaky spending pressure can be.
Here’s what I cover:
The mindset that led to a few expensive mistakesWhat I wish I had done...#211: How Kelly Paid Off $23K in Debt and Built a Life She Loves
In this episode, I sit down with my friend Kelly Anne Smith to talk about what it really looks like to go from barely getting by to building a life with financial peace. Kelly opens up about her early money mistakes, including the time her car was repossessed—even though she technically had the money in her account.
We talk about:
Why not knowing where your money is going can cost you big timeHow she paid off $23K in student loans and cash-flowed a $30K weddingWhat it looked like to budget with a partner wh...#210: What to Do When You’re Facing Job Loss While Paying Off Debt
Ever feel like you're trying to pay off debt while holding your breath, hoping your income doesn’t suddenly vanish? Or maybe your family has income that comes in waves, and you’re just trying to keep the budget afloat?
You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m answering two listener questions that so many people are navigating right now:
Should I pause my debt payoff if I’m worried about losing my job?How do I budget when my income is totally unpredictable?We’ll talk about:
Why pausing your...#209: Making Disney Work On Your Budget with Kevin Payne
In this episode, I chat with Kevin Payne about how families can experience the magic of Disney without breaking the bank. Kevin shares his journey from adopting two children (doubling his family size!) to finding ways to make travel affordable while maintaining certain non-negotiables.
We discuss:
The biggest Disney expensesPros and cons of staying on vs. off Disney propertyHow to save on foodSetting souvenir budgets for kids (and why food often becomes the best souvenir)Kevin reveals that even though Disney has gotten more expensive, there are always ways to make it work within your...
#208: 7 Things I'm Not Buying This Summer (And 3 Things I'm Splurging On)
Summer spending can sneak up on you fast. Between pool days, fireworks, and sales everywhere you look, it’s easy to blow through your budget without even realizing it.
In this episode, I’m getting honest about where I’m NOT spending money this summer (looking at you, lemon-themed decor) and the few things I am saying YES to, guilt-free.
I’m sharing:
7 things I’m skipping this summer to save money and reduce stress3 things I’m excited to splurge on, including family travel and a backyard upgrade
How we’re...
#207: Will Social Security Really Be Enough?
Jesse Cramer, a former aerospace engineer turned financial planner, joins me to talk about longevity risk and why it’s especially important for women to plan for the long haul.
We talk about what it means to outlive your money, how Social Security really works (especially for stay-at-home moms or lower earners), and what to do if you're behind on retirement savings. Jesse breaks it down in everyday language that anyone can understand.
You'll learn:
What spousal and survivor benefits actually meanHow to build a “retirement paycheck” that doesn’...#206: What 38 Feels Like (An Honest Check-In)
Today is my birthday—I'm 38! 🎂 And instead of giving you a list of lessons or tips, I’m doing something a little different. I’m sharing what this season of life feels like—from motherhood and money, to business, marriage, and the friendships that come and go.
This is a heart-to-heart episode about being present, growing through the hard parts, and choosing what matters most. Whether you’re deep in your own season of change or just love a good reflective moment, I hope this speaks to you.
In this episode, I’m sharing:
What I’ve...#205: She Made $500K on Etsy Without Design Experience (Here’s How!)
What if you could turn your creative curiosity into a side hustle that pays off debt, fits around your kids’ schedules, and maybe even replaces your 9-to-5?
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Emily Odido-Sutton, a former educator turned full-time Etsy seller, who built a wildly successful print-on-demand business—without any prior design or business experience. Yep, zero.
We talk about:
Why she started selling on Etsy with no design backgroundHow print-on-demand works (and why it’s perfect for busy moms)The exact moment she realized she could quit her day jobWhat her workda...#204: Tariffs, Rising Prices & Budget Stress: Here’s How to Prepare
In this special Q&A episode, I’m answering two important questions from our Inspired Budget community. First, we talk about how to prepare your finances when prices are rising and the economy feels uncertain (hello, tariffs and recession talk!). Then, I answer a question about what to do when you keep going over budget—even when you technically have the money.
Whether you're adjusting to a new season of life, feeling the pressure at the grocery store, or just want to feel more in control of your money, this episode will help you move forward with clar...
#203: What No One Tells You About Financial Advisors with Jeremy Schneider
Today, we’re sitting down again with Jeremy Schneider, and it feels just like catching up with an old friend who’s here to clear up the confusion around financial advisors. Jeremy, who's behind both Personal Finance Club and the new venture, Nectarine, shares personal stories and why finding genuine, unbiased financial advice can be tricky.
If you've ever felt unsure about who to trust with your financial questions, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air, giving you the confidence to seek advice that truly has your best interest at heart.
What...
#202: The Freak Accident That Made Me Grateful for Our Emergency Fund
Two months ago my youngest son had a freak accident that turned our world upside down. What started as a chipped tooth at school quickly spiraled into multiple surgeries, procedures, and a life-changing injury.
I'm taking you behind the scenes of this emotional journey - from that first call from the school nurse to endless visits with specialists and surgeries. I’m sharing how we navigated multiple specialists, several surgeries, and what this means for my son (and us!) going forward.
This accident will have lasting impacts on my 10-year-old, but I'm also sharing why ha...
#201: Unraveling Your Relationship with Money with Shannah Game
In this episode, Allison chats with Shannah Game, financial expert and author of "Unraveling Your Relationship with Money." They dive into the deep end of our feelings about money, discussing how emotional and psychological factors impact our financial decisions. This episode is packed with stories and tips on how to manage your money mindfully.
What You'll Learn:
The importance of emotions in your financial life.Simple steps to fix unhealthy money habits.How to feel good about your finances, no matter your bank balance.Resources Mentioned:
Shannah Game's Book: Unraveling...#200: Breaking Free from Credit Card Debt in 2025
In this episode, Allison shares a 4-step strategy that will make a real difference in your financial life and help you break free from credit card debt.
These are real steps for real people who want to pay off their credit card debt, stop the debt cycle, and build a healthier relationship with credit.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by credit card balances, stressed about making minimum payments, or sick of throwing money away on interest, this episode is exactly what you need. Think of it as your roadmap to finally getting ahead of your credit c...
#199: Why Every Couple Already Has a Prenup—and Why You Should Write Your Own
Is talking about a prenup planning for divorce—or is it actually planning for a successful marriage? In this episode, I chat with Carlie Spencer, family lawyer and founder of The Prenup Girl.
Carlie is on a mission to help couples create strong marriages by having open, honest conversations about finances and future plans—starting with a prenuptial agreement.
You’ll walk away with practical tips for having “the money talk” with your partner, understanding the true purpose of a prenup, and insights into creating a marriage built on trust and transparency.
If you’re enga...
#198: Why Your Budget Isn’t Working (and How to Fix It)
In this episode, we're diving into the 6 sneaky reasons your budget might be failing (and trust me, you're not alone in this!). Ever look at your bank account and wonder where all your money went, even though you had a budget? Been there! I'm sharing a real story about how life threw our family a curveball last month with medical expenses, and how we handled it.
You Will Learn:
Those Tricky Irregular Expenses: How to handle those surprise (but not really surprise) expenses like car maintenance and annual subscriptions without derailing your whole budget.<...#197: How Your Money Story Shapes Your Financial Life with Jessica Moorhouse
Ever feel like you’re doing all the “right” things with your money but still not getting the results you want? In this episode, I chat with Jessica Moorhouse, author of Everything But Money, about the often-overlooked barriers that hold us back financially.
Jessica shares her personal story of growing up with financial shame, how family history influences our money habits, and the transformative power of rewriting your money story.
What You’ll Learn:
Why your money habits are shaped by your childhood experiencesHow trauma (big or small) impacts your financial decisionsActionable steps to start rew...#196: The 4 Money Conversations You Can’t Avoid
In this episode, we're talking about 4 must-have money talks with your partner or family. You know, the kind that can feel a bit awkward but are totally crucial if you want to keep things smooth in the finance department.
If you've ever felt nervous about bringing up the budget or debt with your loved ones, or if you're just not sure how to start that kind of conversation, this one's for you. I'm pulling from my own life (yep, all the messy and successful bits) to help you see you're not alone in this.
You...
#195: Millionaire Habits To Teach Your Teens
How can parents teach their teens millionaire habits that lead to lifelong financial success? In this episode, I sit down with Maya Corbic, founder of the Wealthy Kids Investment Club.
Together, we discuss practical ways parents can help their teens build habits of saving, budgeting, and investing that set them up for financial independence.
You’ll walk away with actionable tips to teach your teen about managing money, investing wisely, and practicing delayed gratification.
If you’re a parent ready to raise financially independent kids, this episode is for you!
Conne...
#194: Managing Your Money When You Have Depression Or Anxiety
I'm not going to lie to you - I'm a little bit nervous about releasing this episode.
Partly because I'm talking about something that I have experience in, but not professional training in. And also, because I'm going to be very vulnerable and open here. I'm going to be sharing something about myself that not a lot of people know about. And usually, when they do find out about it, they're pretty shocked. And that is: I struggle with anxiety and depression.
I need to add this disclaimer: I am not a therapist. I am no...
#193: How Sleep Affects Your Finances: The Hidden Costs of Sleep Deprivation
Sleep expert Terry Cralle, MS, RN, joins the Inspired Budget Podcast to share how sleep impacts every part of our lives—from decision-making to financial health. Discover why sleep deprivation can lead to impulsive spending, poor judgment, and chronic stress, and learn actionable tips for improving your sleep habits.
What You’ll Learn:
How lack of sleep affects finances and decision-makingPractical tips for better sleep hygieneWhy sleep is the ultimate self-careConnect with Terry at Better Sleep Council and discover how prioritizing sleep can improve your life!
Save money on your elec...
#192: What to Do with Your Tax Refund? Save, Spend, or Pay Debt?
Join us for this special Q&A episode of the Inspired Budget Podcast! Today, Allison answers your questions about everything from managing a tax refund to setting up your bank accounts and budgeting after losing your job.
Questions We Answer:
How should I use my tax refund? Should I save it, pay off debt, or spend it?What kinds of bank accounts should I have, and how should I split my money between them?What’s the best way to budget if I've been laid off?If you're looking for straightforward, useful advice on...
#191: 6 Ways Our Family Saves Money That Anyone Can Do
In this episode, I’m sharing how our family of four saves money across different areas of our daily lives. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your bills or unsure how to make your money go further, this episode is packed with real, doable tips and examples from our own life.
I’ll walk you through six effective ways we reduce costs—from managing household bills like car insurance and cell plans, to smart shopping for groceries, and even cutting costs on utilities and subscriptions. These aren’t just tips; these are real strate...
#190: Our Personal Goals for 2025 Revealed with Chris Browning
I’m thrilled to share this candid conversation with my good friend, Chris Browning of Popcorn Finance, as we dive into our goals for 2025.
Together, we explore a range of personal and financial aspirations, from innovative family finance strategies—like my plan to hire my son and kickstart his savings with a Roth IRA—to our fitness journeys, focusing on strength training and significant weight loss goals.
Join us for a motivational session that is perfect for anyone eager to set their own goals and pursue meaningful change in the upcoming year.
Save mon...
#189: How to Break the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle in 2025
Kick off 2025 with Allison Baggerly on the Inspired Budget Podcast as she guides you through breaking free from living paycheck to paycheck. This episode isn’t just about scraping by; it’s about creating a financially stable future.
Whether you’re struggling at the end of each month or just looking to improve your financial situation, this episode has actionable advice for everyone.
What You'll Learn:
Practical steps to stop living paycheck to paycheck.How to set up safeguards to protect against financial surprises.Strategies to increase income and reduce major expenses.Tips fo...#188: 5 Steps to Be Financially Responsible in 2025
Ready to set yourself up for financial success in 2025? In this episode, Allison shares her best tips for getting your money right as we head into the new year. You'll learn how to:
Look back at your money moves from 2024 to see what's working and what's not.Set up a budget that fits your life and goals for 2025.Clear out any debt from holiday spending quickly.Build or top up your emergency fund for peace of mind.Set clear and doable money goals for the year.This chat is perfect if you're feeling swamped by your finances...
#187: Frugal Doesn’t Mean Boring: Tips for Budgeting with Balance
In this episode, Allison Baggerly sits down with Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni to chat about their new book, Buy What You Love Without Going Broke, and what frugal living really means. Spoiler: it’s not about feeling deprived! They break down how being frugal can actually be fun and fulfilling, sharing how financial limits can spark creativity.
If you want to learn how to enjoy life while staying on top of your finances, then this episode is for you!
Get the book: Buy What You Love Without Going Broke
Save money on yo...
#186: Fastest Way To Pay Off Credit Card Debt
Are you stuck in the cycle of credit card debt? This episode is all about tackling one of the most overwhelming financial challenges: credit card debt and how to escape it despite high-interest rates.
You’ll walk away with practical strategies, including steps to pay off debt faster, ways to lower your interest rates, and tips to avoid falling back into the debt trap.
If you’re ready to break free from debt and reclaim your financial freedom, this episode is for you!
Check out the Budget My Paycheck Spreadsheet.
Save mone...
#185: How To Start Thinking Rich with Dr. Brad Klontz and Adrian Brambila
In this episode, I’m joined by TikTok star Adrian Brambila and wealth psychologist Dr. Brad Klontz, co-authors of Start Thinking Rich. We discuss how to shift from spending like a millionaire to building real wealth. Adrian shares his journey from van life to earning $1.7 million, while Dr. Brad explains how your money mindset can impact your financial success.
What You'll Learn:
The difference between spending money and building wealthHow to shift from a "poor" mindset to a "rich" mindsetPractical tips for investing and growing your wealthHow to teach your kids positive money habits...
Special Thanksgiving Message
In this brief episode, Allison offers a heartfelt message of encouragement to stay the course on your financial journey. Happy Thanksgiving!
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!#184: Ways To Make Extra Money For Christmas with Nick Loper
Need some extra cash for the holiday season? You're definitely not alone!
Last year, the average American spent around $900 on Christmas. In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Nick Loper from The Side Hustle Show, and together we’ll share 30 ways to bring in extra money for the holidays.
Get the full list here.
Listen to The Side Hustle Show with Nick Loper
Don’t forget to download my Budget My Paycheck Spreadsheet to make budgeting easier, and follow Inspired Budget on social media for more...
#183: Preparing Financially for Divorce (Even if It’s Not on the Horizon)
In this episode, I sit down with forensic accountant Tracy Coenen, who has spent over 25 years uncovering financial fraud in corporate cases and high-net-worth divorces. Tracy shares why it’s so important for women to be informed about their family’s finances, even if they think divorce is never on the horizon. We discuss practical steps you can take to protect yourself financially, common mistakes women make in marriage, and how to spot red flags if your partner is hiding money.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
Why women need to protect themselves financially, even...#182: Budget With Me: How I Budget For Our Family of Four
In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of how I budget for our family of four. If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to keep up with bills, savings, and day-to-day expenses, this episode will help simplify the process for you.
I’ll walk you through my exact budgeting method, from creating a bill payment calendar to tracking spending in real time using my favorite tool—my Budget My Paycheck Spreadsheet. Whether you’re new to budgeting or looking to streamline your current system, these steps will help you get more organized and reduce financial stress.<...
#181: How to Be More Sustainable with Your Money with Kara Perez
In this episode, Kara Perez, founder of Bravely Go and author of Green Money, joins me to talk about how we can align our financial decisions with sustainability. Kara breaks down simple steps you can take to make greener choices with your money, from switching banks to supporting local businesses.
She also shares why it's important to focus on systems rather than just individual actions when it comes to making a real impact. If you're curious about how you can be more eco-conscious with your finances, this episode is for you!
Kara also gives us a...
#180: The Truth Behind MLMs: Why They’re Shifting to Affiliate Marketing
In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of MLMs (multi-level marketing companies) and why so many of them, like Bodi (formerly Beachbody) and BeautyCounter, are switching to affiliate marketing models. What’s the difference between these models, and how does it impact the people who’ve built their income around MLMs?
We’ll cover:
What MLMs really are and why they target womenWhy some MLMs feel eerily similar to pyramid schemesThe big shift to affiliate marketing and how it’s leaving many coaches blindsidedPlus, I share my thoughts on feeling to...
#179: How the “Do Both” Method Helped Germaine Foley Pay Off $200K Debt Without Sacrificing Joy
In this episode, Allison Baggerly chats with Germaine Foley about her remarkable journey to paying off $200,000 of debt while still enjoying life. Germaine shares the turning point that led her and her family to take control of their finances and how they achieved financial freedom without sacrificing the things they love.
What You’ll Learn:
The Turning Point: Discover the moment that motivated Germaine to take action on her family’s debt and why daycare costs were the final straw.The “Do Both” Method: Learn how Germaine developed her unique approach...#178: Hidden Costs Every Homeowner Needs To Know About
Thinking about buying a home? Already own one? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the hidden costs of homeownership that most people don’t plan for. From unexpected maintenance costs (hello, $2,000 plumbing bill!) to rising insurance premiums and HOA fees, I’m sharing real-life stories and tips to help you prepare for the true cost of owning a home.
What You’ll Learn:
The surprising costs that hit homeowners (like repairs and rising property taxes)How home insurance in some areas is becoming more expensive and limitedThe golden rule for making sure your mortg...#177: How Jo Harris Paid Off $51K Thanks To Her Side Hustle
If you're on a debt-free journey, staying motivated is key—and one of the best ways to do that is by hearing from others who are right there with you!
In this episode, Jo Harris opens up about how she and her husband knocked out $51,000 in debt. She shares some great tips on boosting your income through side hustles, finding a budget that works for you, and getting on the same page with your partner when it comes to money.
If you're looking for inspiration and practical advice to keep going, then this episode is for...
#176: How to Manage Your Money When Everything Feels Too Expensive
In this episode, I’m tackling the financial pressure we’re all feeling as the cost of living keeps rising. From insurance premiums to everyday expenses, it can feel like we’re drowning. But you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless.
Join me as I share practical steps to help you take back control of your finances. I’ll show you how to reassess your budget, prioritize the essentials, shop around for better deals, and build an emergency fund—no matter how small. Plus, I’ll offer encouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed, because better days are ahead.
<...
#175: Paying Off Debt & Dealing With Financial Anxiety with Zoe Pritchard
Zoe Pritchard, a YouTuber and personal finance content creator, shares her journey of paying off $35,000 of student debt and improving her relationship with money. Growing up, money was a tense topic in her family which had a direct impact on her own financial wellness.
In this episode you’ll learn:
What happened when Zoe started openly discussing her financial struggles on YouTube.How she paid off $35,000 of student loan debt.What she has done to alleviate her financial anxiety.If you have debt, or struggle with stress around money then this episode is fo...
