Let’s be real—budgeting isn’t just about numbers. It’s about the stress that creeps in before payday. The guilt after another “unexpected” expense derails your plan. The anxiety of trying to follow a system that looks great on paper but never seems to fit your real life. If you’ve ever stared at your budget and wondered, “Why isn’t this working for me?”—you’re not alone.

Most of us weren’t taught how to manage money, let alone how to design a budget that matches our values, personalities, and season of life. So we piece together advice from apps, influencers, and well-meaning friends—and still feel stuck. The problem isn’t you. It’s the approach.

Why Most Budgets Fail

1) They’re too rigid.
Life isn’t static. Paychecks shift, kids get sick, tires blow, invitations pop up. A budget that doesn’t flex breaks—and when it breaks, discouragement sets in.

2) They ignore your values.
If your plan cuts out everything that makes life feel meaningful—date nights, hobbies, generosity—you’ll res...

Managing money can be exhausting — not just because of the numbers, but because of the weight that comes with it.

Maybe you’ve felt it:

That pit in your stomach as you swipe your card and silently wonder if it will go through.

The shame that creeps in when you see others buying, vacationing, or upgrading — and you're just trying to make it to payday.

The pressure to look like you’ve got it together, even when the inside of your bank account tells a different story.

It’s not just about budgeting. It’s about carrying the mental and emotional load that money struggles create — and carrying it alone.

Too many of us are silently drowning in money stress because we think we should be able to figure it out.

We think asking for help means we failed.

We think everyone else has it all together.

But the truth? Most people are dealing with the same fears, frustrations, and questions you are.

They just don’t talk about it out loud.

That’s Why Community Matters

You weren’t meant to fig...

When you hear “Christmas in July,” you might picture summer barbecues with a sprinkle of festive cheer or quirky mid-year celebrations that bring a touch of winter magic to the hottest months.

But beyond the fun and whimsy, July is actually the perfect time to start thinking ahead—especially when it comes to your holiday budget.

Why Plan for the Holidays Now?

The holidays are a season of joy, but they can also bring financial stress if you’re not prepared. Gifts, travel, decorations, and festive meals can quickly add up, turning what should be a happy time into a budgetary burden. By starting your planning in July, you give yourself the gift of time—time to save, strategize, and shop smart.

The Benefits of a Mid-Year Holiday Budget

1. Spread Out the Costs:
Instead of facing a mountain of expenses in December, you can spread your holiday spending over several months. This makes it easier to manage and less likely to disrupt your regular budget.2. Avoid Last-Minute Stress:
Planning ah...

In today’s fast-paced, swipe-now-pay-later world, financial patience can feel like an outdated concept. With Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options available at nearly every checkout screen, it’s easier than ever to make impulse purchases without thinking through the long-term consequences. But what if there were a healthier, more empowering alternative?

Enter Plan Now, Buy Later (PNBL) — a simple mindset shift that could be the game-changer your financial life needs.

The Problem with BNPL

BNPL services promise convenience and affordability by breaking purchases into smaller, delayed payments. But behind the scenes, these tools often encourage spending money you don’t actually have. And while some may manage it responsibly, many find themselves juggling multiple BNPL accounts, late fees, and growing anxiety over their financial commitments.

BNPL thrives on urgency and emotion — not planning and peace of mind.

What Is “Plan Now, Buy Later”?

Plan Now, Buy Later flips the script. It’s a ...

Graduating from high school is a major milestone—and for many teens, it marks the beginning of financial independence. Whether your graduate is heading to college, entering the workforce, or still figuring it all out, now is the perfect time to lay the foundation for lifelong financial literacy.

As a parent, mentor, or recent grad yourself, you have a unique opportunity to start this journey on solid ground. The habits formed now can shape your financial future for decades to come.

Start the Money Conversation Early

Too many young adults are thrust into financial responsibility without the tools or knowledge to manage it well. That’s why it’s critical to start talking about money before real-world expenses hit.

Simple conversations about budgeting, saving, and spending can build confidence and awareness. It's not about having all the answers—it's about creating an open, ongoing dialogue around money that encourages healthy habits and informed decisions.

Four-Part Plan for Managing...

Nothing derails your financial goals faster than a spontaneous trip you didn’t budget for — or worse, one you thought you budgeted for but forgot all the little extras. The good news? You can absolutely travel, make memories, and stay on track financially. It just takes a little planning.

Let’s break down a simple framework for building a travel budget that actually works — one that helps you enjoy your time away without coming home to credit card regret.

The Five Key Categories of Travel Budgeting

When planning a trip, most people focus on the big, obvious expenses like flights and hotels. But there’s more to a complete travel budget than just getting there and finding a place to stay. To truly travel without financial stress, consider these five essential categories:

1. Getting from Point A to Point B
   This includes airfare, train tickets, gas, tolls, and parking fees. Be sure to account for round trips and hidden fees like baggage costs or airport shuttles.

2. Lodging
   Whether yo

   ...

Raising financially savvy kids is one of the most important gifts you can give them. In a world where financial literacy is rarely taught in schools, it’s up to parents to prepare their children for the financial realities of adulthood. But where do you start?

Start with the Basics: Money Talks from a Young Age

The journey to financial independence begins with open, honest conversations. Start early by teaching your kids the basic concepts of money, such as earning, spending, saving, and giving. These foundational lessons can be woven into everyday activities.

For younger kids, consider using clear jars labeled “Spend,” “Save,” and “Give” to teach them about allocating their allowance. As they grow, introduce more complex concepts like budgeting, needs vs. wants, and how interest works.

Practical Tips for Financial Gifts: Turning Windfalls into Wisdom

If your child receives a financial gift, like a graduation gift of $1,000, this is a perfect opportunity for a real-world money les...

Have you ever wondered why you keep making the same money choices, even when you know better? Why you can create a budget one week, but struggle to stick to it the next? Or why, despite your best intentions, your savings never seem to grow the way you planned?

The answer often lies deeper than just numbers. It’s about your beliefs, your emotions, and your habits around money — all of which make up your financial behavior.

Why Financial Behavior Matters

Financial behavior is the set of thoughts, emotions, and actions you take in response to money. Whether you realize it or not, your financial behavior is driven by deeply held beliefs and past experiences. These can be helpful — like the belief that saving is important — or harmful, such as feeling that you are "bad with money."

But here’s the good news: Just like any habit, financial behavior can be understood, challenged, and changed. When you gain insight into your money mindset and learn how to manage your emotions around money, ...

Are you looking to enhance your financial literacy and take control of your financial future? At New Money Habits, we believe that everyone deserves access to the tools and resources that can empower their financial journey. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to join our Patreon community!

Why Join Our Patreon? 🎉

By becoming a member of the New Money Habits Patreon, you’ll gain exclusive access to a wealth of resources designed to help you and your business thrive financially. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• 🗣️ The Members-Only Community: Connect with like-minded individuals and share your financial journey in a supportive environment.
• 🎧 Early Access to The New Money Habits Podcast: Be the first to listen to episodes packed with valuable insights and tips.
• 📖 Access to the Coach's Confessions Collection: Learn from the experiences of our expert coaches as they share their real-life financial challenges and solutions.
• 🎙️ Exclusive Podcast Episodes and Content: Dive deepe
...

Because smart money habits are a year-round investment.

Financial Literacy Month is a great time to reflect on your money mindset, learn new skills, and make better financial decisions. But once the month is over, what’s next? The real magic happens when you take those insights and turn them into consistent, daily habits.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to sharpen your financial skills, here are five simple (yet powerful) habits to carry with you throughout the year:

1. Track Your Spending (Yes, All of It)

Knowledge is power, and when it comes to your money, it all starts with awareness.
Make it a habit to track where every dollar goes. Whether you prefer a budgeting app, a spreadsheet, or good old-fashioned pen and paper, the key is consistency. You might be surprised at how those “small” expenses add up—and identifying patterns can help you make more intentional decisions moving forward.

Tip: Set aside 10 minutes each week to review your transactions and categori...