If you’re living paycheck-to-paycheck, you’re not alone. Studies show that nearly three out of four Americans are in the same boat, and many would struggle to cover even a $400 emergency expense without borrowing money. It’s no wonder so many people feel anxious about their finances.

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to stay stuck in that cycle. Once you understand what’s really causing the financial stress, you can create a plan to move toward stability—and eventually, confidence and freedom.

At Intentional Wealth Partners, I’ve helped hundreds of women identify the root of their financial challenges and rebuild a sense of peace around money. The first step is awareness. Let’s start there.

Step One: Understand Why You’re Living Paycheck-to-Paycheck

Financial struggle isn’t always about being “bad with money.” Often, it’s the result of multiple factors—some within your control and others that require new strategies or support. When you identify what’s happening beneath the surfa...

Are you making financial resolutions for the new year?

I'll be honest. As you begin to establish new financial habits, staying on track financially will feel hard at first. However, if your goals are important enough and you believe that you can stick to a budget, saving money, and living the way you want and need to live, you’ll be able to do it, and it’ll feel great — even fun.

Financial Resolutions - 10 Tips for Staying on Track 

Set Clear Financial Resolutions

The most important thing to remember about staying on track is to start with realistic financial resolutions. After all, you cannot live in a mansion if you don’t make that kind of money. Even if your goals are modest due to a modest income, if you set your financial resolutions realistically then you can still reach them.

Automate Bill Payment & Savings

Late payment fees can add up very quickly and throw you off course. When you pay even one bill late, the interest rate on your other debt can go up, too. Thus, it's h...

Creating a household budget is one of the most empowering steps you can take toward financial clarity. A good budget helps you understand where your money is going, stay in control of your spending, and make confident decisions about your goals. And while setting one up might feel overwhelming at first, the clarity and peace of mind you gain are always worth it.

If you’re ready to get organized, feel more grounded with your money, and create a plan you can actually stick to, here’s a simple and supportive guide to help you build a household budget that works for you.

Step 1: Set Up Your Budget Framework

The hardest part of creating your household budget is setting a framework for the budget. By doing this, you’ll always have a template that you can fill in. Many people choose to use a spreadsheet to keep track of their income and expenses while others prefer the more traditional approach of using a notebook or calendar. No matter which method you prefer, you can get prepared to fill...

With the kids home from school and plenty of fun things to do throughout the season, it’s challenging to stick to a budget during the winter vacation. Armed with the right tips, you can help yourself save money by staying on budget during the winter vacation! 

Winter vacation is not only expensive, but it can also be draining emotionally and mentally. It’s important to stay engaged and continue enriching your life no matter how low the temperatures dip! 

Stick to a Budget by Enjoying Free Activities 

Many places have free activities you can do during the winter months. From driving around looking at Christmas lights to participating in a Polar Plunge, you can try so many fun activities that are winter-friendly. Get your kids involved in free activities and keep them happy throughout the entire (YES!) winter vacation!  

To find free activities that will help you stick to your budget, check community social media pages, bulletin boards, and even chambers of commerce for ideas. Even i...

I have been a huge fan of Disney animated films for as long as I can remember, so I always welcome the opportunity to take my kids to see the latest release. Besides, Disney movies are often chockfull of life lessons and great conversation starters, and the new Frozen sequel is no different. From female empowerment to transformative change to emotional expression, the film hits on a lot of big topics. Many of which can be applied as financial lessons.

Spoiler alert: If you have not seen Frozen 2 yet, you may want to hold off on reading this until after you have.

Money Mindset Lessons Learned from Disney's Frozen 2

Money Mindset Lesson #1 - Sometimes what we accept as true is really just a story we were told

In the movie, Elsa and Anna believed that their grandfather's gift of a dam for the Northuldra people was a peace offering. However, they later learned that their grandfather actually built the dam, knowing that it would harm the tribe’s lands. The grandfather then attacked a...

If you’ve got a big family or a huge group of friends, the cost to entertain all of them over the holidays can really add up. These affordable holiday entertaining tips to save you money will make it easier to host quality time with your loved ones with less of a drain on your Christmas cash! 

Big-Batch Drinks 

Whether you’re making your signature cocktails or going for a more family-friendly hot chocolate option, making the drinks in a big batch will help you save some money while serving your guests! Punch, mixed drinks, and gourmet hot chocolate all taste delicious when you make them in large quantities and your guests will appreciate being able to get what they want when they want! Since you’re saving more money by making the drinks in bulk, you may even be able to afford to have different options for your guests! 

One-Bite Desserts Are Delish

Who even finishes a giant piece of cheesecake anyway? Bite-sized desserts are so much easier to handle, and your guests will love how sw...

When you’re trying to save money for the holidays, having to purchase a gift for every person in a family can be expensive. If you want to save money without looking cheap, consider one of these fun and festive gift baskets for your friends and extended family! Keep in mind that you don't have to use a basket for the container, either. Get creative and see what you have stored away that could be a great gift holder. It’s also great to keep a couple of these around for the unexpected visitors who pop in and parties you have to attend. 

Related post: Budgeting for the Holiday Season

Movie Night 

Most families love getting together one or two nights of the week to have a movie night. Make that easier for them by giving them a basket filled with the movie night essentials. Include things like popcorn, candy, and other movie snacks. You can also find affordable popcorn containers made from plastic or cardboard to include in this fun basket! 

Board Games 

While board games can ge...

Gifts don't have to be expensive. It truly is the thought that counts. Here are some funny Christmas gift ideas for your mom friends that show how much you understand the struggles of motherhood. Better yet, all the gifts below are under $25 so they can comfortably fit in your holiday budget.

10 Funny Christmas Gift Ideas for Moms

Tote Bags

One of the first things I realized when becoming a mom was how much stuff I was always toting around with me. Your mom friends will surely appreciate a new bag and this one shows some appreciation for the chaos they are constantly coordinating.

Adult Coloring Books Can Be a Funny Christmas Gift Idea

There are some great adult coloring books out there for the creative mom in your life who could use some stress-relief. The one below is available on Amazon.

Tumblers

Who doesn't love a new tumbler, especially one with a funny slogan on it? Look for one that goes with the personality of the mom you are buying it for. The one below is from Amaz...

I never fully appreciated the stress of the holiday season until l had kids. I remember our first Christmas together very well - mostly because I was so unprepared for everything. For those who don't know, I adopted all three of my children at the same time, so I went from a low-key Christmas with no children to creating Christmas traditions for a family of 5. 

I waited until the last minute to shop, and the stores were sold out of a lot of stuff. I was worried that if I ordered gifts online, they wouldn't come in time. We got through it, but it definitely was not one of our more graceful holiday seasons. That's a picture of my three kids from our first Christmas together below.

Related post: Why This Busy Mom Loves Amazon Prime & How to Get It Discounted

The holiday season is one of the most stressful times of the year with family pressures and financial pressures. Between the gift-giving, entertaining, travel, and the regular monthly expenses, it all adds up to an expensive time...

Does the thought of paying for your child's college education ever keep you up at night? When it comes to higher education, the more you can prepare for it, the better. With nearly 45 million Americans dealing with crippling student debt, the need to invest for higher education becomes even more of a priority.

Related post: Preparing for College: A Golden Opportunity for Financial Lessons and Setting Clear Expectations

Consider Savings Plans 

The most common choice people make when investing for higher education is putting money into a savings account for their child. However, interest rates are far from what they used to be!

Saving a set amount of money each year allows parents to know how much they have for their child to go to college and how much more they need to contribute so their child can get their education debt-free. With a solid savings plan, a great savings account, and some research, it’s entirely possible for families with an average income to pay for their child’s e...