Inspired Budget
Episodes
#250: 5 Money Habits That Actually Change Your Life (Goodbye For Now)
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There was a time I avoided looking at my bank account because I was scared of what I’d see. In this episode, I’m sharing five real changes that he...
#249: How Justine Paid Off $35K on a $37K Salary
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Inspired Budget Podcast, Justine Nelson from Debt Free Millennials joins me to talk about the emotional side of money. We get into m...
#248: Debt Consolidation: What You Need To Know
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re paying on your debt every month but still not seeing progress, this episode breaks down why. I explain exactly how debt consolidation work...
#247: First-Gen Money Struggles and How to Overcome Them with Maria Melchor
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What does it feel like to be the first in your family to graduate, earn a salary, and suddenly make more money than the people who raised you? In this...
#246: How To Stop Impulse Spending (Without Shame or Deprivation)
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Impulse spending doesn’t mean you’re bad with money. It usually means something deeper is going on. In this episode, I share personal stories and ...
#245: How to Reach Coast FIRE and Own Your Time with Andy Hill
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What if you could slow down on retirement savings and still be on track for the future?In this episode, I’m talking with my friend Andy Hill from Ma...
#244: How To Save $10,000 (Your Step by Step Plan)
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Saving $10,000 can feel like something only other people can pull off. But in this episode, I break it down into simple math and a clear plan that wor...
#243: 6 Money Tips to Start the New Year Strong with Germaine Foley
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take to actually stick with your money goals past mid-January? This week I’m teaming up with money coach Germaine Foley for a candid, p...
#242: How to Completely Change Your Finances in 6 Months
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What if six months was all it took to feel completely different about your money? In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact step-by-step pl...
#241: I Thought Budgeting Was Enough. I Was Wrong.
01 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For years I believed budgeting was enough to make me feel in control, but I still felt stressed and a few steps behind. In this episode, I’m sharing...
#240: The Day After Christmas Money Wake-Up Call
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The day after Christmas can feel quiet… and a little heavy.In this episode, I’m sharing the story of why Christmas Day is often one of the busiest...
#239: What Would You Do in These Awkward Money Moments? (with Chris Browning)
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today I’m hanging out with my friend Chris Browning from Popcorn Finance for a special crossover episode filled with laughter, awkward money moments...
#238: Why So Many Americans Feel Broke Even When They're Working
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
So many people are working full time yet still feel like they’re falling behind. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down why this is happening and...
#237: Marriage and Money 101 with Financial Therapist Nathan Astle
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if your money fights aren’t really about money? In today’s episode, I’m talking with financial therapist Nathan Astle about the real reason...
#236: Special Thanksgiving Message
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this brief episode, Allison offers a heartfelt message of encouragement to stay the course on your financial journey. Happy Thanksgiving!You Might ...
#235: How She Paid Off $94K of Debt in 3 Years with Jacent Wamala
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if paying off your debt didn’t have to feel like punishment? In this episode, I’m joined by Jacent Wamala, a licensed therapist and money coa...
#234: Overspent This Month? Here’s How to Fix Your Budget!
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever feel like you’re crushing your budget… until halfway through the month when you realize you’ve overspent? You’re not alone. I’ve been t...
#233: What Hospitals Don’t Tell You About Financial Assistance with Jared Walker
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If a big hospital bill just landed in your mailbox and your stomach dropped, take a breath. You may not have to pay all of it (or any of it). In this ...
#232: Used Your Emergency Fund? Here’s Your Next Step
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve ever had to dip into your emergency fund, you’re not alone. It’s such a frustrating feeling to watch your savings go down after workin...
#231: Using ChatGPT to Find Your Next Side Hustle (with Nick Loper)
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wish someone could just hand you a list of side hustle ideas that actually fit your skills and schedule? In this episode, Nick Loper, host of The...
#230: How To Save Money On Groceries (3 Rules I Live By)
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If your grocery spending feels like it’s getting out of control, you are not alone. As my kids have grown, I’ve noticed just how much more food (a...
#229: From TV Dinners to Millionaire: Emily’s Journey to Financial Freedom
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it really take to go from struggling with money to building lasting wealth?This week on the Inspired Budget Podcast, I’m joined by Emily E...
#228: The 3 Biggest Mistakes I Made While Paying Off Debt (And What I’d Do Differently)
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Paying off over six figures of debt completely changed my family’s future, but it was not a perfect journey. Looking back, there are three big mista...
#227: Cooking Your Way to Savings with Erin Chase
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Picture this: your grocery bill, cut in half. Sounds impossible, right? Not when you've got the queen of budget-friendly meals, Erin Chase, guidi...
#226: Shopping as Self-Soothing: How I Broke the Cycle
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve ever felt that rush from clicking “Buy now,” waited for the package like it was Christmas morning, and then… felt the guilt later, y...
#225: Should You Buy It or Not? Try This 14-Question Quiz To Find Out
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt stuck on whether to buy something? Maybe it sits in your Amazon cart for weeks—or you hit “order” and later regret it. In thi...
#224: 5 Money Lies Keeping You Broke
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” with money but still stuck living paycheck to paycheck, you’re not alone. More ofte...
#223: Creating a Home You Love with Less Stuff with Jacqueline Stein
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if downsizing your home could actually upgrade your life? In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Jacqueline from Home Reimagined, who shares h...
#222: Back-to-School Routines That Keep My Family (and Budget) on Track
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s back-to-school season, which means schedules are packed, evenings fly by, and the to-do list never ends. If you’ve ever felt like you’re ju...
#221: Getting Your Home and Money Organized with Christina Hidek
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Has anybody else been binge-watching "Get Organized with The Home Edit" on Netflix? Between that and my new kitchen renovation, I've b...
#220: What I Wish I Knew About Paying Off Debt as a Mom
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Let’s be real. Paying off debt is tough. But trying to do it while raising little kids? That’s a whole new level of hard.In this episode, I’m sh...
#219: Working Through Financial Shame, Relationship Tensions, and Debt with Dr. Erika Rasure
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sit down with financial therapist Dr. Erika Rasure to talk about something most personal finance advice skips over: the emotional s...
#218: If I Woke Up With $100K of Debt Today, Here’s EXACTLY What I’d Do
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m walking you through the six steps I would take if I woke up today with over $100,000 of debt. This is the exact approach I’d ...
#217: How Cindy Paid Off $215,000 Of Student Loans
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
My guest today paid off over $215,000 in student loans and credit card debt in just 48 months! Cindy Zuniga-Sanchez is a daughter of two immigrants, ...
#216: What I Wish I Knew Before Paying Off $100K Debt
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Let’s rewind to the beginning of our debt-free journey—back when I thought paying off six figures of debt would be simple, linear, and honestly…...
#215: How Leigha’s Paying Off $169K of Debt in Her 30s
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What do you do when you wake up and realize you owe $169,000 in debt? If you're Leigha, you grab a spreadsheet, get honest with yourself, and sta...
#214: 5 Things We Did First To Pay Off Over $100K Of Debt (Without Making a Fortune)
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 te...
#213: Teaching Kids Kitchen Skills That Save You Time and Money
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#212: 6 Things I Regret Spending Money On (And What I Learned)
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 purcha...
#211: How Kelly Paid Off $23K in Debt and Built a Life She Loves
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 wi...
#210: What to Do When You’re Facing Job Loss While Paying Off Debt
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 in...
#209: Making Disney Work On Your Budget with Kevin Payne
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 fro...
#208: 7 Things I'm Not Buying This Summer (And 3 Things I'm Splurging On)
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#207: Will Social Security Really Be Enough?
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jesse Cramer, a former aerospace engineer turned financial planner, joins me to talk about longevity risk and why it’s especially important for wome...
#206: What 38 Feels Like (An Honest Check-In)
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
#205: She Made $500K on Etsy Without Design Experience (Here’s How!)
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#204: Tariffs, Rising Prices & Budget Stress: Here’s How to Prepare
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
#203: What No One Tells You About Financial Advisors with Jeremy Schneider
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
#202: The Freak Accident That Made Me Grateful for Our Emergency Fund
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#201: Unraveling Your Relationship with Money with Shannah Game
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Allison chats with Shannah Game, financial expert and author of "Unraveling Your Relationship with Money." They dive into t...
#200: Breaking Free from Credit Card Debt in 2025
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 deb...
#199: Why Every Couple Already Has a Prenup—and Why You Should Write Your Own
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, fa...
#198: Why Your Budget Isn’t Working (and How to Fix It)
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#197: How Your Money Story Shapes Your Financial Life with Jessica Moorhouse
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Jess...
#196: The 4 Money Conversations You Can’t Avoid
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
#195: Millionaire Habits To Teach Your Teens
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#194: Managing Your Money When You Have Depression Or Anxiety
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#193: How Sleep Affects Your Finances: The Hidden Costs of Sleep Deprivation
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 fina...
#192: What to Do with Your Tax Refund? Save, Spend, or Pay Debt?
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for this special Q&A episode of the Inspired Budget Podcast! Today, Allison answers your questions about everything from managing a tax re...
#191: 6 Ways Our Family Saves Money That Anyone Can Do
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 you...
#190: Our Personal Goals for 2025 Revealed with Chris Browning
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#189: How to Break the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle in 2025
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kick off 2025 with Allison Baggerly on the Inspired Budget Podcast as she guides you through breaking free from living paycheck to paycheck. This epis...
#188: 5 Steps to Be Financially Responsible in 2025
26 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#187: Frugal Doesn’t Mean Boring: Tips for Budgeting with Balance
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
#186: Fastest Way To Pay Off Credit Card Debt
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#185: How To Start Thinking Rich with Dr. Brad Klontz and Adrian Brambila
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ho...
Special Thanksgiving Message
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this brief episode, Allison offers a heartfelt message of encouragement to stay the course on your financial journey. Happy Thanksgiving!You Might ...
#184: Ways To Make Extra Money For Christmas with Nick Loper
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Need some extra cash for the holiday season? You're definitely not alone! Last year, the average American spent around $900 on Christmas. In tod...
#183: Preparing Financially for Divorce (Even if It’s Not on the Horizon)
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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-...
#182: Budget With Me: How I Budget For Our Family of Four
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 wit...
#181: How to Be More Sustainable with Your Money with Kara Perez
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 sus...
#180: The Truth Behind MLMs: Why They’re Shifting to Affiliate Marketing
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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) ...
#179: How the “Do Both” Method Helped Germaine Foley Pay Off $200K Debt Without Sacrificing Joy
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Allison Baggerly chats with Germaine Foley about her remarkable journey to paying off $200,000 of debt while still enjoying life. Ger...
#178: Hidden Costs Every Homeowner Needs To Know About
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 pl...
#177: How Jo Harris Paid Off $51K Thanks To Her Side Hustle
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 wi...
#176: How to Manage Your Money When Everything Feels Too Expensive
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 exp...
#175: Paying Off Debt & Dealing With Financial Anxiety with Zoe Pritchard
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Zoe Pritchard, a YouTuber and personal finance content creator, shares her journey of paying off $35,000 of student debt and improving her relationshi...
#174: Is the TikTok Underconsumption Trend Actually Just Normal Spending?
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m diving into the TikTok trend of underconsumption and sharing my thoughts on why it’s actually just normal spending. We’ve b...
#173: Building Unique Airbnb Rentals: Whitney Hansen's Journey
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Inspired Budget Podcast, Allison Baggerly talks with Whitney Hansen about her exciting journey into owning unique short-term re...
#172: Stop Making These 5 Budgeting Mistakes
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever felt like your budget just isn't working, no matter how hard you try? You're not alone! In today’s episode, I'm diving into five...
#171: Secrets to Staying Motivated While Paying Off $52K in Debt
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring episode, Allison sits down with Deacon Hayes to discuss his journey to becoming debt-free. Deacon shares how he and his wife paid of...
#170: Embrace the Second New Year: Reset Your Finances Now
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling like you need a reset with your money? In this short episode, Allison Baggerly shares how to lean into what she calls the "Second New Yea...
#169: Opting Out with Cait Flanders
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tired of following what society says you should do? In this episode, I talk with Cait Flanders, author of Adventures in Opting Out about the challenge...
#168: Preparing Financially for Natural Disasters: Lessons From Hurricane Beryl
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Allison takes a personal and practical approach to financial preparedness for natural disasters. After going through Hurricane Beryl ...
#167: The True Cost of College with Adam Carroll
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Adam Carroll is the creator of the documentary 'Broke, Busted, & Disgusted,’ which aired on CNBC and continues to be screened in high schoo...
#166: 5 Financial Habits That Sabotage Your Savings
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you constantly wondering why your savings account isn’t growing? In this episode, Allison dives into the sneaky financial habits that might be s...
#165: Your Best Financial Life with Anne Lester
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Millennials and Gen Z face a unique challenge when it comes to building wealth. In this episode, Anne Lester, author of Your Best Financial Life, and ...
#164: Money Dysmorphia: What It Is & How To Overcome It
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever feel like no matter how much you save, you’re still not financially secure? Or perhaps you often feel richer than your bank account actu...
#163: From Immigrant to Debt Free World Traveler with Bianca Alba
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dreaming of your next vacation but feeling overwhelmed with the entire process? Bianca Alba from This Latina Travels has traveled to 6 of the 7 contin...
#162: These 4 Money Habits Are Keeping You Broke
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever wonder where all your money goes each month? It could be due to a few habits you might not even realize are keeping you broke. In my lates...
#161: How To Overcome Overspending with Paige Pritchard
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you know if you have a shopping problem? Paige Pritchard is a certified life coach and host of ‘The Money Love Podcast’ where she is on a m...
#160: The Summer Splurge: What It Is & How To Avoid It
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do your financial goals go off track in the summer? You might start the season determined to stick to your budget, but then slowly find yourself spend...
#159: How To Become a Saving Whiz with Gina Zakaria
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Gina Zakaria and her husband became debt free using practical, real-life solutions that didn’t sacrifice her family’s lifestyle. During the proces...
#158: Lifestyle Creep- Red Flags & Strategies To Take Back Control Of Your Money
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever felt like you make decent money but somehow have nothing left to show for it at the end of the month? If so, you might have fallen victim to life...
#157: Don’t Fall Prey To This Social Media Scam
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A few months ago, I stumbled upon what seemed like a lucrative opportunity on TikTok: women claiming to make over $60,000 a month by working only 10 h...
#156: What I No Longer Believe About Money
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have any of your beliefs or thoughts about money changed over time? Maybe you used to think that only people who struggle with money should write a bu...
#155: From $600K Inheritance to $220K Debt: Haley & Justin's Debt-Free Journey
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Haley and Justin inherited $600,000 but ended up blowing through the money and accumulating $220,000 of debt. They share their journey of lifestyle in...
#154: Behind The Scenes: A Money, Life, and Business Update
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
My birthday is next week so I thought it would be fun to give you a little personal and life update! This episode will give you a behind the scenes lo...
#153: Raising Money Smart Teens with Rob Phelan
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rob Phelan, a high school financial educator, is on a mission to change how kids, specifically teenagers, learn about money. In this episode you’ll...
#152: Stressed About Money? Here's What To Do
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Let's talk about stress. You know, that constant companion we all have hanging around, lurking in the corners of our minds?Well, according to a n...