When my husband and I decided we were DONE with debt, we had no clue where to start. We were drowning in over $111,000 worth of debt and making two teacher salaries. We didn’t have extra money lying around, but we were determined to change our lives. So what did we do first? In this episode, I’m walking you through the very first five steps we took to pay off six figures of debt. These are simple, doable things that helped us build momentum and stay on track (even during the hard days). If you'r...
Jun 26, 2025•22 min
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 time Practical strategies for managing summer snacking that won't break your budget How t...
Jun 19, 2025•36 min•Ep. 213
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 mistakes What I wish I...
Jun 12, 2025•31 min•Ep. 212
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 time How she paid off $23K in student loans and cash-flowed a $30K wedding What it looked like to budget wit...
Jun 05, 2025•31 min•Ep. 211
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 debt-...
May 29, 2025•21 min•Ep. 210
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 expenses Pros and cons of staying on vs. off Disney property How to save on food Setting souvenir budgets for kids (and why food often becomes the best souvenir) Kevin reveals that e...
May 22, 2025•42 min•Ep. 209
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 stress 3 things I’m excited to splurge on, including family travel and a backyard upgrade...
May 15, 2025•27 min•Ep. 208
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 mea...
May 08, 2025•41 min•Ep. 207
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 thi...
May 01, 2025•25 min•Ep. 206
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 background How print-on-demand works (and why it’s perfect f...
Apr 24, 2025•33 min•Ep. 205
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 ...
Apr 17, 2025•19 min•Ep. 204
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 ...
Apr 10, 2025•39 min•Ep. 203
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 acci...
Apr 03, 2025•43 min•Ep. 202
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, ...
Mar 27, 2025•25 min•Ep. 201
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...
Mar 20, 2025•30 min•Ep. 200
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 insig...
Mar 13, 2025•33 min•Ep. 199
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 a...
Mar 06, 2025•23 min•Ep. 198
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 chi...
Feb 27, 2025•32 min•Ep. 197
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 i...
Feb 21, 2025•30 min•Ep. 196
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 re...
Feb 13, 2025•27 min•Ep. 195
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 ...
Feb 06, 2025•31 min•Ep. 194
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-making Practical tips for better sleep hygiene Why sleep is the ultimate self-care Connect with Terry at Better Sl...
Jan 30, 2025•34 min•Ep. 193
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 straightforwa...
Jan 23, 2025•23 min•Ep. 192
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 ...
Jan 16, 2025•30 min•Ep. 191
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 ...
Jan 09, 2025•27 min•Ep. 190
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 agains...
Jan 02, 2025•21 min•Ep. 189
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 f...
Dec 26, 2024•20 min•Ep. 188
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 B...
Dec 19, 2024•38 min•Ep. 187
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 Payc...
Dec 12, 2024•21 min•Ep. 186
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 wealth How to shift from a "poor" mindset to a "rich" mindset Pra...
Dec 05, 2024•38 min•Ep. 185
