181 | How This Special Ed Teacher Ditched Impulse Spending, Afforded Daycare & Paid Off Debt

⁠Snag Our Signature Budget Template!⁠ In today’s episode, we're chatting with Catherine, a super mom and special ed teacher who's been rocking a side gig in copywriting. We're diving into her inspiring journey of turning financial chaos into calm. Catherine's World: Catherine juggles a demanding teaching career with her creative side hustle in copywriting, all while being a mom to two adorable, energetic little ones. It's a life filled with love, laughter, and, let's be honest, a bit of chaos too. The Lightbulb Moment: Picture this: Catherine, just like any of us, stumbles upon our podcast-specifically an Impulse Spending episode. It sparks something in her. She's dealing with rising daycare costs that are giving her sleepless nights. She thinks, “Enough is enough,” and decides it's time for a change. Budgeting Like a Boss: Here’s where Catherine turns things around. She starts by mapping out where her money is going (and where it needs to stop going!). She sets some real goals, giving every dollar a job. It’s not just about cutting back; it’s about making smart choices. Sinking Funds to the Rescue: Catherine introduces us to her game-changer strategy: savings buckets. Think of these like little pots of gold for different needs – one for daycare, another for those unexpected 'oops' moments, and even one for celebrating the good times, guilt-free. Tackling Daycare Like a Pro: So, daycare costs are soaring, right? Catherine doesn't just throw her hands up. She tweaks her budget, making room for this non-negotiable expense. Her daycare sinking fund becomes her peace of mind, ensuring her kiddos get the care they need without breaking the bank. Kissing Impulse Buys Goodbye: We've all been there – those little purchases that add up. Catherine shares her secret sauce: mindful shopping. She starts asking herself, "Do I really need this, or is it just a 'want'?" Plus, switching to cash makes her think twice before splurging. Life on the Brighter Side: Here’s the best part. Catherine's not just surviving; she's thriving. Less worry about bills means more quality time with her family. She’s feeling confident and in control, setting an amazing example for her kids on how to handle money with grace. Catherine's Heartfelt Advice: To anyone feeling overwhelmed with their finances, Catherine’s got your back. She says, "Face it head-on. Get help if you need it. Trust me, it’s worth it." A huge thank you to Catherine for sharing her incredible journey, filled with practical takeaways and inspiring insights. Her story is a remarkable example of what can be achieved with determination and the right strategies. Your Turn: Feeling inspired by Catherine’s story? We'd love to hear your journey towards financial wellness. Join our community, share your story, and let’s support each other in this journey. --- 4 Ways To Connect With Us: 1️⃣ FREE CALL: Book your FREE 20-Minute Financial Coaching Call now! Get personalized advice and start your financial journey ➡︎ ⁠https://www.budgetbesties.com/freecall⁠  2️⃣ FACEBOOK: Become part of our Supportive Facebook Group. Connect, share, and learn with others mastering their budget skills ➡︎ ⁠https://www.budgetbesties.com/facebook⁠  3️⃣ BUDGET: Grab our Signature Budget Template! It's your key to organizing and optimizing your finances effectively ➡︎ ⁠https://budgetbesties.com/budget⁠  4️⃣ COACHING: Ready to dive deep into your finances? Sign up for 1-on-1 or Group Financial Coaching. It’s the accountability and guidance you need to make real progress ➡︎ ⁠https://budgetbesties.com/coaching⁠  "I love Shana & Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" < If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! It helps us to reach more people – just like you – to help them change their financial future. Don’t forget to follow the show so you don’t miss any episodes! And, if you’re feeling really generous, we’d be SO honored if you would share this podcast with someone.  ⁠Click here to view our privacy policy.⁠ This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click & purchase!