Monday, September 22, 2025


🎧 Listen to this episode right here or on your favorite podcast platform:
Driving home from Teen Valley Ranch in North Carolina, my daughter and I thought we were headed toward Greensboro. An hour later, a big sign read: “Welcome to Tennessee.”
After a quick stop, the GPS had rerouted us without me noticing, and it cost us over an hour of backtracking. That’s exactly what can happen with money. We set a budget once, never look again, and then get surprised, backtrack, and burn through the margin that was meant to give us peace.
The good news? Just like your GPS, you can use your calendar + budget together to guide you through even the busiest seasons.
Your calendar doesn’t decide where your money goes — you do. But it shows you the timing. Paydays, bills, events, and commitments all land on your calendar first.
I use the Winning the Week process: looking at what’s now, what’s next, and what’s big. When I’m faithful to calendar time, budget time, and meal prep time, I feel more calm and prepared. When I skip it, I feel anxious, forget things, and am less productive.
👉 Try this: Schedule 10 minutes this week to look at your calendar and see how it lines up with your money.
This is where things get practical.
Mondays are long for me. If I don’t plan something quick, I end up in the drive-thru with $10 gone and fries I don’t even finish. A simple sandwich and fruit saves money and stress.
Sundays are special. My "in town" kids are often available, so we plan to eat lunch out together.
When my kids were younger, we had a different rhythm: crockpot meals on Mondays, packed lunches for homeschool co-op, and church dinner on Wednesdays.
Different seasons, same principle: your calendar can guide your grocery list and your budget.
👉 Try this: Look at your week and pick one meal you can simplify or plan ahead for.
Your calendar can also serve as a trigger list for all the little extras — birthdays, school events, sports fees, or church activities.
I recommend using an app like EveryDollar, but the method doesn’t matter as much as the timing: plan before the month begins. Some expenses are fixed, some change monthly, but the important thing is that you decide in advance.
And don’t just look one month out. Look ahead at the next three months: travel, holidays, and gifts. Break it down: how much do you need to save per paycheck to be ready?
👉 Try this: Block 10 minutes in your calendar this week to look ahead three months and list the extras you need to prepare for.
“The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” — Proverbs 21:20
You don’t need a complicated system — just a calendar and a budget working together like your GPS. When you check in daily, you’ll stay on course, even in the busiest seasons.
With Proverbs 21:20 in mind, reflect on this: What seasonal expenses do I know are coming — and how can I start preparing now?
Busy seasons don’t have to drain your budget or your peace. The FREE 21-Day No Spend Challenge will help you:
1️⃣Notice where your money is slipping away
2️⃣Spend less without feeling deprived
3️⃣Build margin for the busy seasons ahead
👇 Click here to join the challenge and enter the giveaway!👇
Episode 23: Budgeting for Busy Seasons: 3 Steps to Plan Ahead Without Stress
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💛 Remember: God can take the broken pieces of your story and create something more beautiful than you ever imagined.

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I’m a Life & Money Coach who helps women untangle the chaos of life and money and step into purpose with hope, confidence, and peace. These days, you’ll find me kayaking, being “Mimi,” tackling DIY projects I probably shouldn’t, and chasing big, brave goals (like training for a marathon in my 50s!).

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