Happy Friday!
Let me bump the vulnerability up a notch this week. I shared last week some help for those who may struggle with depression, but this week I am diving into another topic many of us may avoid. Money.
Matt and I actually love to talk about money because for years we have loved walking couples through financial peace and seeing couples slay their debt.
But one big secret is that I have just hated sticking to a budget. Anybody else? 🙋♀️ I told Dave Ramsey in our debt-free scream years ago that my downfall used to be going rogue at Target. Just pushing that budget right over the edge.
Things are changing though, and I want to share some ideas that are helping us take our money-intentionality to the next level. Some of these ideas could be game-changers for you!
Ideas for Intentionality
Money Isn’t Math: This simple, quick-read book is a gem. It is relatable, funny, and does an amazing job of myth-busting on money. I know you will love it!
Everydollar budgeting app: This is the app that Matt and I have used for the last 5 years to make a plan with our money and track our spending. They have a free version, but the paid one is 100% worth it. This app helped us pay off 80K in 2.5 years! This link gives you $10 off your annual membership.
Rising Food Cost Challenge Accepted: I am choosing to see stretching a dollar to feed 7 people 3x a day as a challenge. I can’t control how expensive groceries are, but I can get intentional with what I buy, what I make, and how I take food on the go. Using the cooler backpack and packing food on the go have saved us so much. I even took these funeral sandwiches (strange name, but yummy) on the go to the pool. Also, knowing what I am making for dinner and starting that plan around lunchtime has helped a lot. This is my favorite healthy simple cookbook to help you save money without compromising your health.
Rare Gem of Contentment: I share this book all the time, but if you are struggling with comparison every time you scroll through Instagram, this book will be a big help.
Texting the Balance: One tip from “Money Isn’t Math” was to text your spouse the account balance when you check in with your bank account. Or if you are getting super close to payday, to ramp communication up, so there aren’t any accidental overdrafts.
Teamwork and a Vision: I put together this YouTube playlist that can help you and your husband get more aligned on money and a vision. The playlist has our debt-free scream, budgeting tips, and couples goals, and grab our weekly meeting sheet here.
Sending love,
Lana
P.S. We have just passed the exact middle of the year! Is 2024 going as you hoped? One of my husband and I’s favorite pastimes is having couples over helping them prepare for marriage, get a vision for their lives, or create a plan for their money. We seriously love it! So we are planning a free class to help you too! Sign up here for more details.
Pregnant P.S. One benefit of going natural is that you aren’t numb down there while pushing, and you intuitively won’t want to push on your back. Now, why would that be a benefit??? When you are numb and on your back, one issue that can arise later is pelvic floor issues from pushing without feeling: blowing through tissue, and straining delicate pelvic floor muscles that we need to hold our female organs in place. These are things so many of my dear friends wish they had known sooner. If you are interested in going natural with your upcoming birth, I hold your hand through the basics of how to prep yourself and feel prepared to do the thing your body was made to do, birth your babies. Join me!