18. Mini Money Management Bootcamp: Why you can't seem to maintain a good budget and stay on track with your money management

<em>Hi Friend,</em></p> <em>Today's Episode is In today's episode I address the challenges of maintaining a zero-based budget when it seems unmanageable. I share personal insights from a conversation with my daughter about reconciling your budget and ensuring that all financial categories are properly accounted for at the end of each month. Key advice includes the importance of closing out each month's budget, reconciling planned vs. actual spending, and preparing the next month's budget starting from the real bank balance. Friends please set aside time monthly to review and adjust your budget, ensuring consistent financial management and progress toward financial freedom.</em></p>

00:08:22

17 Is your plan for saving money for college falling short? Find out how there's money for college waiting to be claimed

Hi Friend,</p> In this episode, I reconnect with Dr. Tamara Johnson, an old friend and expert in college scholarships and funding. Dr. Johnson, a physical therapist and mother of two college students, shares insights from her journey to secure debt-free college education for her sons. Dr. Johnson discusses her personal experiences, tips on finding and applying for scholarships, and the importance of preparing early. The conversation touches on the impact of good GPA, test scores, volunteer hours, essay writing, and the significance of setting children apart from their peers. She also emphasizes the importance of parental support and strategic planning from middle school to college. Dr. Johnson's advice can help families save thousands of dollars and achieve financial freedom by avoiding student loan debt.</p>  </p> 00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection</p> 02:04 Dr. Tamara Johnson's Background</p> 04:09 The Journey to Debt-Free College</p> 05:46 Understanding Merit Scholarships</p> 14:23 Early Preparation and Middle School Scholarships</p> 16:29 Essay Writing Tips and Parental Involvement</p> 19:58 The Million Dollar Scholarship Success</p> 21:07 How to Start Your Scholarship Search</p> 24:29 Contact Information and Final Thoughts</p>  </p> Connect with Dr. Johnson</p> Website: <a href="http://www.collegeboundjourney.net/">www.collegeboundjourney.net</a></p> Facebook: college.bound.journey.2023</p> IG: collegeboundjourney</p> Email: <a href="mailto:collegeboundjourney@gmail.com">collegeboundjourney@gmail.com</a></p>  </p> Connect with Pam</p> <a href="http://www.pamelahreed.com">www.pamelahreed.com</a></p>  </p>

00:31:07

16 Mini Money Management Bootcamp - Need a new budget? The secret weapon to budgeting success

Hi Friend,</p> In this episode of our Mini Money Management Bootcamp, we're diving into the heart of budgeting: the Zero-Based Budget (ZBB). I’ll share why this budgeting method transformed the way I manage my finances and how it can do the same for you. You’ll learn the key differences between ZBB and traditional budgeting, plus practical examples to make implementing it simple. Get ready to assign every dollar a job and take control of your money with purpose and clarity!</p> What You’ll Learn in This Episode:</p> <ul> <li>Why zero-based budgeting helps you become more intentional with your spending choices.</li> <li>How ZBB allows you to actively prioritize your financial goals like saving, investing, or paying off debt.</li> <li>How examining every dollar of your income with ZBB increases awareness of where your money is really going.</li> <li>The critical differences between ZBB and traditional budgeting, including prioritization, intentionality, consistency, and risk management.</li> <li>Examples of how ZBB works in real-life scenarios.  </p> <em>Connect with Pamela:</em><a href="http://pamelahreed.com"><em> pamelahreed.com </em></a></p> <em>Click here to </em><a href="https://calendly.com/pamelareed/coaching-consultation-clone"><em>Schedule a call</em></a></p> <em>Instagram: </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/pamelahreed/"><em>@pamelahreed</em></a></p> <em>Join Facebook Group</em>:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamelahreedcommunity"> https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamelahreedcommunity</a></p> </li> </ul>  </p>

00:11:23

15 How Passive Income Ideas Paid Off and She Became Debt Free From Selling on Etsy with Jackie Butler

Hi Friend,</p> In this episode of Confidence Steps to Financial Freedom, I interview Jackie Butler, an Etsy and online business coach specializing in making money through selling digital products. Jackie shares her transformative journey from being a high school gym teacher to becoming a top 0.1% Etsy seller globally. Jackie discusses the importance of passive income, how she achieved over 90,000 sales and 5,500 five-star reviews, and her strategies for identifying profitable products to sell on Etsy. She highlights the misconceptions about Etsy’s saturation and emphasizes the significance of a strategic approach and perseverance. Jackie also debunks the myth of needing a social media presence to be successful on Etsy.</p> <em> </em></p> 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement</p> 00:56 Welcome to Confidence Steps to Financial Freedom</p> 01:56 Overcoming the Rat Race</p> 02:37 Introducing Jackie Butler</p> 03:24 Jackie's Journey to Etsy Success</p> 06:58 The Power of Passive Income</p> 14:31 Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions</p> 21:44 Time Commitment and Getting Started</p> 29:51 Mindset and Overcoming Hurdles</p> 31:57 How to Connect with Jackie Butler</p> 33:26 Final Thoughts and Encouragement</p>  </p> <em>Podcast - Passive Profits on Etsy </em>- <a href="http://www.jacqueline-butler.com/podcast">www.jacqueline-butler.com/podcast</a><br /> <em>Website - <a href="http://www.jacqueline-butler.com/">www.jacqueline-butler.com</a></em></p> <em>Connect with Pamela:</em><a href="http://pamelahreed.com"><em> pamelahreed.com </em></a></p> <em>Click here to </em><a href="https://calendly.com/pamelareed/coaching-consultation-clone"><em>Schedule a call</em></a></p> <em>Instagram: </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/pamelahreed/"><em>@pamelahreed</em></a></p> <em>Join Facebook Group</em>:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamelahreedcommunity"> https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamelahreedcommunity</a></p>

00:34:34

Mini Money Management Bootcamp - The values based budget hack to save more and have less debt

Welcome to the first episode of our Mini Money Management Bootcamp! Today, we’re diving into the foundational step of aligning your budget with your personal values. Managing money is more than just setting limits; it's about creating a path toward the life you truly want. In this episode, we explore how to define what matters most to you and how to make your budget work to achieve those goals.</p> Episode Highlights:</p> <ul><li style="font-weight: 400;">Why Money Management is Key: Earning money is just the start—managing it effectively is what moves you closer to financial freedom. We recap five steps from Episode 4: choosing a budget, tracking spending, choosing a debt strategy, automating payments, and doing monthly reviews.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">The Power of Values in Budgeting: Learn why sticking to a budget is easier when it aligns with your values. Before setting a budget, we recommend starting with an exercise to help you clarify what’s most important to you.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">"More of / Less of" Exercise: Inspired by Erin Britt of the Budget Effect, this exercise involves listing what you want more and less of in your life, revealing the values that should drive your spending decisions. This approach can make budgeting feel purposeful rather than restrictive.</li> </ul> <em>Connect with Pamela:</em><a href="http://pamelahreed.com"><em> pamelahreed.com </em></a></p> <em>Click here to </em><a href="https://calendly.com/pamelareed/coaching-consultation-clone"><em>Schedule a call</em></a></p> <em>Instagram: </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/pamelahreed/"><em>@pamelahreed</em></a></p> <em>Join Facebook Group</em>:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamelahreedcommunity"> https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamelahreedcommunity</a></p>

00:07:53

13 How to secretly overcome binge eating or binge spending

Hello my friend!</p> In this episode, we discuss financial freedom strategies while drawing parallels with overcoming binge eating and disordered eating habits. Joined by guest Amber Abila, a binge eating coach, we explore how mindset shifts, self-acceptance, and overcoming impulsive behaviors can improve both financial health and eating habits.</p>  </p> 01:56 Guest Introduction: Amber Abila</p> 03:07 Amber's Story and Approach</p> 04:19 Connecting Overeating and Impulsive Spending</p> 05:00 Expert Tips on Impulse Control</p> 08:36 Managing Shame and Self-Worth</p> 12:52 Scarcity Mindset</p> 22:50 Contact Amber Abila</p>  </p> <em>Free Guided Urge Audio:</em><a href="https://www.theconfidenteater.org/urge"><em> </em><em>https://www.theconfidenteater.org/urge</em></a></p> <em>Connect with Amber: </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/theconfidenteater_/"><em>https://www.instagram.com/theconfidenteater_/</em></a></p> <em>Connect with Pamela:</em><a href="http://pamelahreed.com"><em> pamelahreed.com </em></a></p> <em>Click here to </em><a href="https://calendly.com/pamelareed/coaching-consultation-clone"><em>Schedule a call</em></a></p> <em>Instagram: </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/pamelahreed/"><em>@pamelahreed</em></a></p> <em>Join Facebook Group</em>:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamelahreedcommunity"> https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamelahreedcommunity</a></p>

00:25:23

12 Ready for jobs with income over 100K? How leveraging your strengths can help you get there, fast.

Hi Friend,</p> In this episode, we dive deep into how to strategically approach your career to accelerate your financial freedom journey. It’s not just about landing a six-figure job or climbing the corporate ladder. Instead, it’s about optimizing your career by leveraging your unique strengths, not just your skills. I share insights on identifying and using your natural talents to not only stand out in your career but also increase your income to invest in your financial freedom. I also emphasize the importance of taking the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment to unlock your potential and align your career with your God-given talents. This episode provides actionable tips to shift your focus from simply earning a paycheck to building wealth by working in your zone of genius.</p> Key Takeaways:</p> <ul><li style="font-weight: 400;">Earning a six-figure income is a major milestone but it’s not the end goal. Your career should be a powerful tool for building wealth and achieving financial freedom.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">The real secret to career success isn't just in learning new skills, but in understanding and leveraging your strengths.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Strengths and skills are different: skills are learned abilities, while strengths are your natural talents that energize you and make you stand out.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Look for career opportunities that allow you to use your strengths daily, and find mentors who can help you leverage those strengths for career success.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Showcase your strengths in job interviews by providing concrete examples of how you've used them to drive results.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Long-term career success and financial freedom come from working in your zone of genius, where you can excel and create unique value.</li> </ul> Challenge of the Week: Take the <a href="https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx">Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment</a> and post your top five strengths in the Facebook group. Let’s support each other in leveraging our strengths to take confident steps toward financial freedom!</p>  </p> <em>Connect with Pamela:</em><a href="http://pamelahreed.com"><em> pamelahreed.com </em></a></p> <em>Click here to </em><a href="https://calendly.com/pamelareed/coaching-consultation-clone"><em>Schedule a call</em></a></p> <em>Instagram: </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/pamelahreed/"><em>@pamelahreed</em></a></p> <em>Join Facebook Group</em>:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamelahreedcommunity"> https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamelahreedcommunity</a></p>

00:09:44

11 Investing in your mental health for less stress and anxiety in your career and finances

Overcoming Anxiety: Pathways to Financial and Emotional Freedom</p> Hello my friend!</p> In this episode of 'Confidence Steps to Financial Freedom,' I am joined by life coach Megan DeVito to delve into the interconnectedness of financial planning and anxiety management. We discuss practical strategies to alleviate anxiety related to financial decisions and career burnout. Megan shares insights from her own experience, offering listeners techniques for calming their nervous systems and making informed decisions. The episode underscores the significance of holistic health in achieving financial freedom, encouraging listeners to prioritize their mental, physical, and spiritual well-being as foundational steps towards financial independence.</p>  </p> 01:44 Special Guest Introduction: Megan DeVito</p> 02:55 Discussing Anxiety and Finances</p> 04:52 Career Burnout and Anxiety</p> 08:57 Techniques to Manage Anxiety</p> 16:54 Breathing Techniques for Anxiety Relief</p> 26:52 Investing in Health for Financial Freedom</p>  </p> <em>Connect with Megan Devito </em><a href="http://www.megandevito.com"><em>www.megandevito.com</em></a></p> <em>Connect with Pamela:</em><a href="http://pamelahreed.com"><em> pamelahreed.com </em></a></p> <em>Click here to </em><a href="https://calendly.com/pamelareed/coaching-consultation-clone"><em>Schedule a call</em></a></p> <em>Instagram: </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/pamelahreed/"><em>@pamelahreed</em></a></p> <em>Join Facebook Group</em>:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamelahreedcommunity"> https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamelahreedcommunity</a></p>  </p> Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate, and review The Confident Steps to Financial Freedom Podcast on Apple Podcasts. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated..</p>

00:33:23

10 Ready to get your money mindset in order? Start with this fourth quarter focus

Hello my friends,</p> It's Episode 10 of the <em>Confident Steps to Financial Freedom</em> podcast! As we step into the fourth quarter of the year, it's easy to fall into the trap of feeling like time is running out. But in this episode, I'm here to encourage you to change your perspective and focus on the exciting fact that we have a whole quarter left to achieve our goals! With faith and determination, let's make the most of the next three months and finish the year strong.</p> <em>Connect with Pamela:</em><em> pamelahreed.com </em></p> <em>Click here to </em><a href="https://calendly.com/pamelareed/coaching-consultation-clone"><em>Schedule a call</em></a></p> <em>Follow on Instagram @pamelahreed.com</em></p> <em>Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if you found this episode helpful!</em></p>  </p>  </p>  </p>

00:07:04

09 Stumped on money management, this financial wellness habit will help

<em>Hello my friend!</em></p> <em>In this week’s episode, we uncover a surprising statistic: 51% of consumers earning more than $100,000 a year are still living paycheck to paycheck. If you’re wondering how that’s possible, you’re not alone! Today, we explore one of the common reasons behind it—hidden subscription costs.</em></p> <em>I dive into how small, recurring expenses like streaming services, gym memberships, and app subscriptions can quietly add up and keep you from achieving financial freedom. I share personal stories, practical advice, and encouragement to help you become more intentional with your spending. Plus, you’ll learn how to identify and eliminate those sneaky charges without feeling guilt or shame.</em></p> <em>Join us for a faith-filled, empowering conversation on taking back control of your cash flow and aligning every dollar with your financial goals. 💸</em></p> <em>Tune in now to learn how to start reclaiming your money!</em></p> <em>Scripture Reference:</em><em> Luke 16:10 (CSB)</em></p> <em>Connect with Pamela:</em><em> pamelahreed.com </em></p> <em>Click here to </em><a href="https://calendly.com/pamelareed/coaching-consultation-clone"><em>Schedule a call</em></a></p> <em>Instagram @pamelahreed.com</em></p> <em>Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if you found this episode helpful!</em></p>

00:10:50