Balanced FI Podcast
43 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsThe Balanced FI podcast is all about practical, real-world ways to pay off debt, save money, and balance life with financial goals. Each week your host, RaLea, dives into a family finance topic that will improve your life: the steps to financial security, debt payoff methods, easy ways to save money on everyday expenses, and more... all with a dose of intentional living, a dash of minimalism & a splash of the realities of parenting a child with disabilities.
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Episodes
42. How to Make the 52 Week Savings Challenge Work for You
May 25, 2022 06:00 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 42 - How to Make the 52 Week Savings Challenge Work for You The 52 Week Savings Challenge is a simple method for saving a large amount. Making smaller deposits each week will help you reach your savings goal amount by the end of the year-long challenge period. Print out one of the trackers included in this article for monitoring your savings progress. You don’t have to start your challenge at the beginning of the year, but the $1000 and $5000 S...
41. The Best Mother's Day Gift Ideas for Moms of Young Kids
May 11, 2022 06:00 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 41 - The Best Mother's Day Gift Ideas for Moms of Young Kids These Mother’s Day gift ideas for moms with young kids are guaranteed to score the dads out there some major brownie points. We all know it’s Dad’s job to buy Mother’s Day gifts when their children are young. That also means there’s more pressure to buy a great gift. Mom is going to appreciate anything directly from the kids. It’s on Dad to buy something that shows his appreciation for ...
40. How to Start a Virtual Bookkeeping Business
April 27, 2022 06:00 - 32 minutes - 27.8 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 40 - How to Start a Virtual Bookkeeping Business, based on my own experience in starting one. I’ll walk you through the major decisions you need to make, step by step, to get this side hustle off the ground. The most important reminder is to not fake your qualifications; don’t pass yourself off as a bookkeeper with no knowledge or experience. We’ll cover the basic steps, like Decide on a business name & business type Register with your state &...
39. Investing Terms 101
April 20, 2022 06:00 - 24 minutes - 21 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 39 - Investing Terms 101: Basic Investment Terms You Need to Know Understanding a few basic investment terms is a step forward on your journey toward financial security. Investing can be as complex or as simple as you want it to be. Thousands of people actually invest others’ money as a job…. but it’s also something literally anyone with money can participate in. FIND US: Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- He...
38. The 20 Best Money-Saving Life Hacks
April 13, 2022 06:00 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 38 - The 20 Best Money-Saving Life Hacks Planning for your money, conserving, meal planning, and more… little changes can lead to big improvements in your finances. FIND US: Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- [email protected] RESOURCES: Read- The 20 Best Money-Saving Life Hacks: Ways to Save Money in Everyday Life Read- 4 Ways to Be Intentional With Your Money Read- 7 Steps to Find Your Motivation F...
37. Quick Tips for a Frugal Wedding
March 29, 2022 06:00 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 37 - Quick Tips for a Frugal Wedding The average cost of a wedding in the US is around $30,000. That’s an awful lot of money to spend on one day. If you’re looking for more affordable alternatives, there are many ways to plan and host a frugal wedding without going into debt. These ideas will allow you to do something meaningful with your partner and celebrate your love in a way that doesn’t break the bank. FIND US: Balancedfi.com -- Podcas...
36. Gather These Documents for Your Tax Prep
March 22, 2022 06:00 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 36 - Gather These Documents for Your Tax Prep Hopefully, you’re planning ahead to make sure your taxes will be filed in a timely manner. Whether you’re preparing your own return or paying a professional, some documents are needed for taxes, and you need to make sure you have all of them gathered up. FIND US: Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- [email protected] RESOURCES: Read- The Most Important Docum...
35. Struggling to Talk to Your Spouse About Money: 3 Simple Steps to Help
February 15, 2022 07:00 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 35 - Struggling to Talk to Your Spouse About Money: 3 Simple Steps to Help Money is a big part of marriage, whether you want to acknowledge it or not. The 3 steps to discussing your money with your spouse are: Talk about your current money situation Talk about your current money feelings Talk about how to change your money Tips for making these things happen included! FIND US: Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinteres...
34. Amazon Hacks for Making the Most of Your Account
February 08, 2022 07:00 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 34 - Amazon Hacks for Making the Most of Your Account - even if you’re not a Prime member. Amazon has taken over so many areas of life, but some of those features are super helpful. Although some of the things we discuss require a Prime membership, some are still available to non-members. Taking advantage of all the features of your Amazon account just makes good sense. FIND US: Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinter...
33. The 4 Cs of Credit: What You Need to Know
January 25, 2022 07:00 - 13 minutes - 11.9 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 33 - The 4 Cs of Credit: What You Need to Know Although you probably haven’t heard of them, the 4 Cs of credit are: Capacity to pay the loan back Capital Collateral Credit score Improving one or all of these areas can greatly improve your odds of being approved for a mortgage or getting a better interest rate. FIND US: Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- [email protected] RESOURCES: Read: The 4 Cs o...
32. Frugal not Cheap: 6 Things You Shouldn’t Skimp On
January 18, 2022 07:00 - 18 minutes - 17 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 32 - Frugal not Cheap: 6 Things You Shouldn’t Skimp On The cheapest option isn’t always the best option - it might not be safe, efficient, or long-lasting. Instead, you shouldn’t skimp on these things: Safety things Baby safety things Shoes Anything sleep related Dog food Insurance Listen to find out why! FIND US: Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- [email protected] RESOURCES: Read: Frugal not C...
31. How to Find Grants to Pay Medical Bills
January 11, 2022 07:00 - 20 minutes - 18.2 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 31 - How to Find Grants to Pay Medical Bills The American healthcare system isn’t just un-user-friendly, it’s very expensive. Grants and financial assistance can help you avoid financial hardship or even bankruptcy. This episode covers where to find grants and other assistance, how to negotiate with medical providers, and how to organize everything to stay sane. FIND US: Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- He...
30. 3 Simple Gratitude Prompts for Your Holiday Season
December 14, 2021 07:00 - 7 minutes - 7.31 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 30 - 3 Simple Gratitude Prompts for Your Holiday Season The holidays can be hard for so many, making the focus on gratitude even more important. Askin yourself 3 simple questions can help you find the good in your day. FIND US: Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- [email protected] RESOURCES: Read: 3 Simple Gratitude Prompts for Your Holiday Season SOURCES: Source: How to Practice Gratitude
29. All You Need to Know About Keeping Fun in Your Budget
December 07, 2021 07:00 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 29 - All You Need to Know About Keeping Fun in Your Budget Setting aside a bit of money each month for fun, frivolous purchases helps you stay on track financially. You’re less likely to completely blow your budget when you know you have already planned for your hobbies and random habits. This episode goes over why you need to budget for fun how much to set aside how to actually make a fun money budget part of your life FIND US: Balanc...
28. Do You Need a Credit Score While Debt-Free?
November 30, 2021 07:00 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 28 - Do You Need a Credit Score While Debt-Free? You CAN live without a credit score, once you’re debt-free… but life is a lot easier with a good credit score. A credit score is helpful for renting a home, establishing new utility services, applying for certain jobs, getting a mortgage, property insurance in some states, life insurance rates. Using credit wisely and carefully can help you get and maintain a good credit score. There’s one importan...
27. 5 Tips for a Frugal Christmas
November 16, 2021 07:00 - 14 minutes - 13 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 27 - 5 Tips for a Frugal Christmas Gift-giving doesn’t have to bankrupt you. To save money on Christmas, consider: Simplifying your giving list Planning ahead and making a budget Shopping sales & looking for cashback Making gifts Giving second-hand gifts To make next year less stressful, save for Christmas throughout the year FIND US: Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- [email protected] RESOURCES: ...
26. How to Find Good Mental Health Care That Fits in Your Budget
November 09, 2021 07:00 - 26 minutes - 23.2 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 26 - How to Find Good Mental Health Care That Fits in Your Budget Whether you do or do not have health insurance, you are entitled to mental health care (and medical care, but that's for another day). Cost can make proper mental health care prohibitive, but there ARE resources out there when you can't afford a more traditional route. Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 Mental Health.gov National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SA...
25. 7 Steps to Find Your Motivation For Debt Payoff
November 02, 2021 06:00 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 25: 7 Steps to Find Your Motivation For Debt Payoff. We’ve got 7 easy steps to keep you going during a long debt payoff journey: Identify what’s important Get on the same page Turn your priorities into goals Remind yourself of your motivation for debt payoff Watch the numbers change Set rewards to keep your motivation for debt payoff Celebrate your victories with like-minded people FIND US: Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Inst...
24. The Ultimate Guide to Appealing Health Insurance Denials
October 26, 2021 06:00 - 33 minutes - 28.9 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 24! Thank you so much for listening in! Appealing health insurance denials is the best (maybe only?) way to increase the chances your health insurance provider will cover the requested medical treatment. So many times a claim is denied automatically, or without sufficient investigation, so it falls to the patient (or patient’s representative) to appeal the denial and seek coverage. To appeal a health insurance denial, you need to: Request cove...
23. 10 Ways to Make Saving Money Fun
October 19, 2021 06:00 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 23! Thank you so much for listening in! Make saving money fun to keep yourself engaged in long-term financial goals. Some ways to make saving fun include: Set goals & rewards Track your progress No spend month challenge No spend days challenge Loose change challenge First to save challenge Pantry challenge Dollars per week food challenge Kids savings challenge Annual savings challenge RESOURCES: Read: 10 Ways to Make Saving Money F...
22. Top Tips for Frugal Activities
October 12, 2021 06:00 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 22! Thank you so much for listening in! This week we’re focused on my top tips for frugal activities. You should be able to have fun even while paying off debt, saving for emergencies, or living financially responsibly… but you still need to be able to afford it. Suggestions include: Lower expectations Enroll young kids in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Plan ahead Look for museum membership discounts Travel more frugally Reduce fees ...
21. 5 Quick Questions to Ask Yourself Before Purchasing
September 28, 2021 06:00 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 21! Thank you so much for listening in! This episode dives into 5 quick questions to ask yourself before buying, including examples: Is this a want or a need? Does this align with my bigger financial goals? Do I have something similar already? Is it worth this number of work hours? Could I make this myself? RESOURCES: Read: 5 Quick Questions to Ask Yourself Before Purchasing Read: 4 Ways to Be Intentional With Your Money Read: 10 Ways...
20. 3 Big Ways to Save on Baby Stuff
September 21, 2021 06:00 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 20! Thank you so much for listening in! Saving money on baby stuff isn’t as difficult as it seems… but it does require some self-control when you’re facing cute prints on cloth diapers and adorable little outfits. RESOURCES: Read: 3 Big Ways to Save on Baby Stuff Read: 4 Unexpected Ways to Save Money Learn: Fluff Love University Read: 5 Tips for a Frugal Christmas SOURCES: Nerdy Mommas: Cloth diaper 101 - Types of Cloth Diapers
19. 3 Ways to Use Meal Planning to Save Money
September 14, 2021 06:00 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 19! Thank you so much for listening in! Meal planning helps save money in multiple ways, plus it reduces so much stress for busy families. Meal planning reduces food waste Meal planning limits impulse buys Meal planning reduces the expenses of eating out BONUS: Meal planning reduces stress TIP: online grocery shopping/ grocery pickup makes life easier and saves both time & money. If you need a kick in the pants to jump-start a money m...
18. Choose Your Next Goal, Financial Security Step 10
September 07, 2021 06:00 - 21 minutes - 20 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 18! Thank you so much for listening in! Step 10 of the Financial Security Steps is to Choose Your Next Goal. Increasing your emergency fund Saving for college Paying off the mortgage Maxing out retirement contributions Saving for other big purchases Pursuing financial independence You choose your next goal, you choose how to get there. RESOURCES: Read: Financial Security Step 10: Choose Your Next Financial Goal Read: Financial Secu...
17. Increase Retirement Contributions, Financial Security Step 9
August 31, 2021 06:00 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 17! Thank you so much for listening in! This step in the financial security process is all about increasing your retirement contributions when you’re out of debt (other than a mortgage) and have your emergency fund saved up. Saving early and often is the key to success, but it’s not too late to start. We included some resources for retirement planning and calculating how much you need, as well as tips for finding a financial advisor. It’s imp...
16. 4 Unexpected Ways to Save Money
August 24, 2021 06:00 - 21 minutes - 20 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 16! Thank you so much for listening in! We’re talking about unexpected ways to save money - not coupon-clipping, but changing your lifestyle to save money - and tips for getting started. The 4 ways are: leaving Amazon Prime using wood heat hunting & buying meat in bulk gardening & preserving. RESOURCES: Read: 4 Unexpected Ways to Save Money Resource: Bountiful Baskets Read: 5 Tips for a Frugal Christmas Resource: Rakuten SOURC...
15. How to Save an Emergency Fund, Financial Security Step 8
August 17, 2021 06:00 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 15! Thank you so much for listening in! A fully-funded emergency fund is the backbone of financial security. It allows you to weather job losses, unexpected expenses, medical bills, and more, without reaching for a credit card or other debt. RESOURCES Read: Financial Security Step 8, Save an Emergency Fund Download: free Emergency Fund Worksheet Read: Financial Security Step 2a, Save a Mini Emergency Fund Read: Financial Security Step 3,...
14. Pay Off Debt, Financial Security Step 7
August 10, 2021 06:00 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 14! Thank you so much for listening in! Step 7 of the Financial Security Steps is: Pay Off Debt. This episode covers how to make that happen: Create a debt payoff plan Save money where you can (or make more money) Make saving money fun through challenges Communicate with your partner Resources: Read: Financial Security Step 7, Pay Off Debt Download: Debt Payoff Planner Enroll: Frugal Year Challenge (free in 2021!) Read: Financial Secu...
13. 4 Ways to be Intentional With Your Money
August 03, 2021 06:00 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 13! Thank you so much for listening in! This episode covers 4 Ways to be Intentional With Your Money, to give you more control over your spending by making sure you’re spending on what really matters to you. Resources: Read: 4 Ways to be Intentional With Your Money Read: Financial Security Steps overview Read: Financial Security Step 1: Track Your Expenses Read: Financial Security Step 2a: Save a Mini Emergency Fund Read: Financial Secu...
12. How to Create a Budget, Financial Security Step 6
July 27, 2021 06:00 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 12! Thank you so much for listening in! This episode covers budgeting and its importance. We start by looking at past transactions and adjusting your budget to help you meet your current financial goals. We also go over important budget categories, such as: bills minimum debt payments food household items vehicle expenses fun money medical costs personal care pets entertainment Resources: Sign up: Easy Budget Builder Waitlist Read:...
11. Smart Ways to Use Your Stimulus Money (or other unexpected money)
July 20, 2021 06:00 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 11! Thank you so much for listening in! This episode provides you with a prioritized list of ways to spend stimulus money, but also other unusual lump sums you receive. Having a plan will help you make smart decisions. Ways to spend your stimulus money: Cover necessities Get current on bills Have a little bit of fun Pay off non-mortgage debt Invest in retirement Save for a big purchase Invest for your children Pay down your mortgage In...
11. BONUS: You Can Do Hard Things: My Story as the Parent of a Child with Disabilities
July 16, 2021 06:00 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 11! Thank you so much for listening in! When my 6-year-old daughter was born, my life changed significantly. All parents experience life changes, but my husband & I experienced extremes. I quit my job to become a stay-at-home mom, we learned to advocate, our family made it through 3 life flights in 6 months, and we grew stronger. It’s not easy parenting a child with disabilities, but it’s so worth it. Learning that nonverbal doesn’t mean non-op...
10. How to Create a Debt Payoff Plan, Financial Security Step 5
July 13, 2021 06:00 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 10! Thank you so much for listening in! After you download the free Debt Payoff Planner, fill it in by listing all of your debts. Next, choose a payoff method - debt snowball, debt avalanche, or a hybrid method - that works with your life and personality. Finally, calculate your rolling debt payment amount and put it into practice in your own financial life. Use this method to keep your motivation up, to stay engaged in the long debt-payoff p...
09. How to Calculate your Net Worth, Financial Security Step 4
July 06, 2021 06:00 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 9! Thank you so much for listening in! Calculate your net worth by subtracting your debts (liabilities) from your assets. First, list your assets, such as real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investment accounts, and other valuables. Next list your liabilities, like your mortgage, vehicle loans, credit cards, personal loans, taxes owed, HELOCs, 401(k) loans, medical debt, and cell phone loans. Make sure to also request y...
8. 5 Free Ways to Be Content
June 29, 2021 06:00 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 8! Thank you so much for listening in! This episode is about 5 free ways to be content and ways to put them into practice in your life: Find the good Rephrase your complaints Identify what is making you unhappy Write down ways to be content Slow down Living, and spending, intentionally as a habit starts with small changes to your life. Taking a walk each day, removing one obligation from your schedule, or striving for an optimistic outlook ...
07. Get a Month Ahead on Bills! Save for Recurring Expenses, Financial Security Step 3
June 22, 2021 06:00 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 7! Thank you so much for listening in! Saving from each paycheck to pay monthly and annual bills allows you to breathe easier and frees up mental space for other things. This episode is an overview of the content covered in the Bill-Balancing Bootcamp. That course will walk you through the detailed steps of finding your recurring expenses, calculating how much to save from each paycheck, and how to both set up and fund a “bills” checking account...
06. Begin Saving for Retirement, Financial Security Step 2b
June 15, 2021 06:00 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 6! Thank you so much for listening in! Using realistic examples and actual numbers, I’ll demonstrate the difference between starting to save at age 25 and at age 45. Saving earlier offers a huge financial advantage, but it’s never to late to start planning for retirement. You may have to work longer than you’d like or save more each month, but you can at least save something. We’ll also discuss the differences between the most common retirement...
05. Save a Mini Emergency Fund, Financial Security Step 2a
June 09, 2021 06:00 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 5! Thank you so much for listening in! Despite what others may say, a $1000 mini emergency fund is not enough when you’re paying off debt. You’re going to have emergencies, and they’re probably going to be bigger than that, unfortunately. Resources: Read: Save a Mini Emergency Fund, Financial Security Step 2a Read: Begin Saving for Retirement, Financial Security Step 2b Download: free Emergency Fund Tracker Sources: Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby St...
04. Track Your Expenses, Financial Security Step 1
June 02, 2021 06:00 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 4! Thank you so much for listening in! This episode dives into how and why you should track your previous spending as a tool for changing future spending. Learn what methods are available for tracking spending more easily and how to decide what you want to track. Tracking previous expenses and continuing to track future spending is the first step in the Financial Security Steps, on your way toward financial security. Resources: Read: Track Yo...
03. Using 30 Day Challenges to Save Money
May 26, 2021 06:00 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 3! Thank you so much for listening in! You can read the full blog post, and download the 30-Day Challenge Trackers, HERE. Decide what type of challenge you want to start: no eating out, no spend, no buying clothes, or something else. Next, you need to decide what reward will motivate you enough to stick with the challenge for a whole 30 days. I’ll also give you tips for success, like have a visible reminder, and discuss the importance of gett...
02. 6 Easy Self-Care Tips for Busy People
May 19, 2021 06:00 - 21 minutes - 19.1 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 2! Thank you so much for listening in! You can also read the full blog post. Self-care is so important for everyone, but especially for those who are busy and overwhelmed. Once you’re aware of your need to care for yourself, you can take steps to incorporate self-care into your routine and life. This episode focuses on 6 easy ideas for self-care. I know it’s not always easy to make time for yourself, especially as a parent, but I recently saw a ...
01. Financial Independence vs Financial Security
May 14, 2021 03:37 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MBWelcome to the Balanced FI podcast, episode 1! Thank you so much for listening in! Financial independence is having enough invested so that you don't need to work anymore - you can live ff the interest. That's an amazing achievement, don't get me wrong... but it's just not realistic for a lot of people. Financial security is much more attainable; financial security is "having enough money to fund your lifestyle, as well as work toward your financial goals." Financial Security Steps I cr...