Welcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 42 - How to Make the 52 Week Savings Challenge Work for YouThe 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 Savings trackers are set up to accumulate those amounts before Christmas. FIND US:Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com RESOURCES:Read: How to Make the 52 Week Savings Challenge Work for You + Free 52 Week Savings Challenge Tracker DownloadsRead: The Financial Security Steps: Welcome!Read: Financial Security Step 2a: Save a Mini Emergency FundRead: Financial Security Step 2b: Begin Saving for RetirementRead: Financial Security Step 6: Create a BudgetRead: Financial Security Step 3: Save for Recurring ExpensesRead: Financial Security Step 7: Pay off DebtRead: Financial Security Step 8: Save an Emergency FundRead: Financial Security Step 9: Increase Retirement ContributionsRead: Financial Security Step 10: Choose Your Next Financial GoalRead: 30 Day Challenge + Free 30 Day TrackerSign up: Balanced Family Financial Fix waitlist

Welcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 41 - The Best Mother's Day Gift Ideas for Moms of Young KidsThese 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 all she does. FIND US:Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com RESOURCES:Read: The Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas, for Moms of Young KidsRead: 5 Tips for a Frugal ChristmasRead: 6 Ways to Have a Frugal Valentine’s Day

Welcome 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, likeDecide on a business name & business typeRegister with your state & the IRSOpen a business bank accountGet liability insuranceTrain on bookkeeping practices & softwareDecide what services to offerSet up your tech FIND US:Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com RESOURCES:Read- How to start a virtual bookkeeping businessRead- It’s Not Easy Parenting a Child with DisabilitiesRead more- Debt Payoff JourneyRead more- Financial Security StepsResource- Choose a business structureResource- About Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and CertificationResource- Register your businessResource- Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) OnlineResource- Intro to Accounting Training CourseResource- QuickbooksResource- National Association of Certified Public BookkeepersResource- Google DriveResource- DropboxResource- TrelloResource- AsanaResource- MondayResource- Adobe AcrobatResource- SquarespaceResource- Wordpress SOURCES:Buy- HP LED monitorBuy- Wireless keyboard & mouse comboBuy- Dell Inspiron laptopBuy- Lexmark color laser multifunction printerBuy- Logitech Pro webcamSubscribe- Quickbooks OnlineBuy- Microsoft DynamicsSubscribe- XeroSubscribe- FreshBooks

Welcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 39 - Investing Terms 101: Basic Investment Terms You Need to KnowUnderstanding 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 -- Hello@balancedfi.com RESOURCES:Read- Investing Terms 101: Basic Investment Terms You Need to KnowFREE download- Investing Terms 101 Fact SheetRead- Smart Ways to Use Your Stimulus MoneyRead- Financial Security Step 9: Increase Retirement ContributionsRead- Financial Security Step 2b: Begin Saving for Retirement SOURCES:Source- The S&P 500 and How It WorksSource- J.P. Morgan Glossary of Investment TermsSource- Investment Terms Everyone Should KnowSource- Basic Investing Terms You Should Know

Welcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 38 - The 20 Best Money-Saving Life HacksPlanning 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 -- Hello@balancedfi.com RESOURCES:Read- The 20 Best Money-Saving Life Hacks: Ways to Save Money in Everyday LifeRead- 4 Ways to Be Intentional With Your MoneyRead- 7 Steps to Find Your Motivation For Debt PayoffRead- 10 Ways to Make Saving Money FunBuy- Meal Planner Printable BundleRead- I Can’t Afford Mental Health Care: How to Find Good Care That Fits in Your BudgetSign up- Intentionally Debt FreeRead- Financial Security Step 1: Track Your ExpensesRead- Financial Security Step 7: Pay off DebtFREE Sign up- Debt Payoff PlannerRead- Financial Security Step 2b: Begin Saving for RetirementRead- Financial Security Step 8: Save an Emergency FundRead- Financial Security Step 10: Choose Your Next Financial GoalRead- 3 Ways to Use Meal Planning to Save MoneyRead- Top Tips for Frugal ActivitiesRead- 5 Quick Questions to Ask Yourself Before PurchasingFREE Sign up- Money Makeover Challenge SOURCES:Source- Want to control your spending? Try the 30-Day RuleSource- Save Money Easily with the $5 Savings ChallengeBuy- CyperPower Energy-Saving Surge Protector Power StripBuy- Krups Coffee GrinderBuy- Steam Espresso Machine with Milk Frother

Welcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 37 - Quick Tips for a Frugal WeddingThe 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 -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com RESOURCES:Read- Frugal Wedding: Celebrating Your Love Without Going Into DebtRead- I Can’t Afford Mental Health Care: How to Find Good Care That Fits in Your BudgetResource - Trello SOURCES:Source- Average Wedding Bill Hits $30,000Source- This Gorgeous DIY Costco Wedding Cake Only Cost $50 to Create

Welcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 36 - Gather These Documents for Your Tax PrepHopefully, 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 -- Hello@balancedfi.com RESOURCES:Read- The Most Important Documents Needed for TaxesResource- IRS Standard Mileage RatesRead- Financial Security Step 4: Calculate your Net Worth SOURCES:Source- Rules for Claiming a Dependent on Your Tax ReturnSource- How Do I Choose the Right Tax Filing Status?Source- Tax forms you may receiveSource- Changes to charitable giving rules for 2020

Welcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 35 - Struggling to Talk to Your Spouse About Money: 3 Simple Steps to HelpMoney 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 situationTalk about your current money feelingsTalk about how to change your moneyTips for making these things happen included! FIND US:Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com RESOURCES:Read: Struggling to Talk to Your Spouse About Money: 3 Simple Steps to HelpRead: Financial Security Step 6: Create a BudgetRead: Financial Security Step 4: Calculate your Net WorthDownload: Debt Payoff PlannerSign Up: Frugal Year ChallengeRead: How to Set Financial Goals for 2021Read: Financial Security Step 8: Save an Emergency FundRead: Financial Security Step 9: Increase Retirement ContributionsResource: Keep These 5 Resources on Financial Abuse BookmarkedJoin the Waitlist: INTENTIONALLY DEBT FREE! SOURCES:Source: This common behavior is the No. 1 predictor of whether you’ll get divorced

Welcome 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 -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com RESOURCES:Read: Amazon Hacks for Making the Most of Your AccountResource: CamelCamelCamelRead: 5 Tips for a Frugal ChristmasRead: 4 Unexpected Ways to Save Money SOURCES:Source: AmazonSource: ‘I'm not a robot’: Amazon workers condemn unsafe, grueling conditions at warehouse

Welcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 33 - The 4 Cs of Credit: What You Need to KnowAlthough you probably haven’t heard of them, the 4 Cs of credit are:Capacity to pay the loan backCapitalCollateralCredit scoreImproving 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 -- Hello@balancedfi.com RESOURCES:Read: The 4 Cs of Credit: What You Need to KnowRead: Do You Need a Credit Score While Debt-Free?Resource: ExperianResource: EquifaxResource: TransUnionResource: Loan Savings CalculatorResource: National Foundation for Credit Counseling SOURCES:Source: What’s in my FICO Scores?Source: What Is a Credit Score, and What Are the Credit Score Ranges?Source: How Credit Score Affects Your Mortgage Rate

Welcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 32 - Frugal not Cheap: 6 Things You Shouldn’t Skimp OnThe 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 thingsBaby safety thingsShoesAnything sleep relatedDog foodInsurance Listen to find out why! FIND US:Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com RESOURCES:Read: Frugal not Cheap - 6 Things You Shouldn’t Skimp OnResource: Vehicle HistoryResource: NHTSA Safety Issues & RecallsResource: VINCheck LookupRead: 3 Big Ways to Save on Baby StuffResource: ZulilyResource: 6pmBuy: Tempur-Pedic Mattress TopperBuy: Hushh Portable White Noise MachineBuy: Cosy House SheetsBuy: Bose Noise Cancelling HeadphonesBuy: Bose SleepbudsRead: 6 Easy Self-Care Ideas for Busy PeopleBuy: Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Dog FoodSign Up: Frugal Year Challenge SOURCES:Source: Business Insider: 15 Things You Should Never Skimp OnSource: WiseBread: 15 Things You Should Never Skimp On

Welcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 31 - How to Find Grants to Pay Medical BillsThe 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 -- Hello@balancedfi.com RESOURCES:Read: How to Find Grants to Pay Medical BillsSign up: Money Makeover ChallengeResource: I Can’t Afford Mental Health Care: How to Find Good Care That Fits in Your BudgetResource: The Ultimate Guide to Appealing Health Insurance DenialsResource: Charity NavigatorResource: USA GrantsResource: Social Security Disability BenefitsResource: MedicaidResource: MedicareResource: VA health careResource: FaxZeroResource: United Healthcare Children’s FoundationResource: 11 Organizations That Will Help You Pay Your Medical BillsResource: Help With BillsResource: OneMain Financial: How to Pay for Medical Supplies You Need SOURCES:Source: 'I live on the street now': how Americans fall into medical bankruptcy

Welcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 30 - 3 Simple Gratitude Prompts for Your Holiday SeasonThe 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 -- Hello@balancedfi.com RESOURCES:Read: 3 Simple Gratitude Prompts for Your Holiday Season SOURCES:Source: How to Practice Gratitude

Welcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 29 - All You Need to Know About Keeping Fun in Your BudgetSetting 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 funhow much to set asidehow to actually make a fun money budget part of your life  FIND US:Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com RESOURCES:Read: Fun Money Budget: What You Need to KnowRead: Financial Security Step 6: Create a BudgetRead: Financial Security Step 7: Pay off DebtRead: Financial Security Step 9: Increase Retirement ContributionsRead: Financial Security Step 8: Save an Emergency FundSign up: Bill-Balancing Bootcamp SOURCES:Source: 50/20/30 Method Is Perfect if You’re on a Budget… but Still Have a Life

Welcome 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 important caveat here - don’t even attempt limited credit card use unless you are well accustomed to living without a credit card. You need to treat your credit card like a debit card.  FIND US:Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com RESOURCES:Read: Do You Need a Credit Score While Debt-Free?FREE Annual Credit ReportRead: Financial Security Step 4: Calculate your Net WorthResource: sign up for the Frugal Year Challenge SOURCES:Source: Living Without a Credit ScoreSource: Can You Buy a House With No Credit?3Source: Dave Ramsey Says You Don’t Need a Credit Score. 5 Reasons That’s NonsenseSource: What is a credit score?Source: Getting Utility Services: Why Your Credit MattersSource: What to Know About a Credit-Based Insurance ScoreSource: When does debt fall off your credit report?Source: Does your credit score affect your life insurance premiums?

Welcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 27 - 5 Tips for a Frugal ChristmasGift-giving doesn’t have to bankrupt you. To save money on Christmas, consider:Simplifying your giving listPlanning ahead and making a budgetShopping sales & looking for cashbackMaking giftsGiving second-hand giftsTo make next year less stressful, save for Christmas throughout the year FIND US:Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com RESOURCES:Read: 5 Tips for a Frugal ChristmasResource: Draw NamesResource: RakutenResource: KiwiCoResource: PoshmarkResource: ThredUpSign up: Intentionally Debt Free waitlist SOURCES:Source: 4 Gifts for Christmas: How to Make Your Family Happy With Less

Welcome to the Balanced FI Podcast, episode 26 - How to Find Good Mental Health Care That Fits in Your BudgetWhether 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: 1-800-273-8255Mental Health.gov National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)Dial *211 FIND US:Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com RESOURCES:Read: I Can’t Afford Mental Health Care: How to Find Good Care That Fits in Your BudgetRead: 6 Easy Self-Care Tips for Busy PeopleResource: Mental Health AmericaResource: Take a Mental Health TestResource: Free/Low-Cost/Sliding Scale Mental Health Clinics databaseResource: NeedyMedsResource: Better Help (individual, couples & teen counseling)Resource: Faithful Counseling (Christian counseling)Resource: Teen CounselingResource: ReGain (couples counseling)Resource: Pride Counseling (LGBTQ counseling)Read: The Ultimate Guide to Appealing Health Insurance Denials MONTANA RESOURCES:Resource: Bozeman Help CenterResource: Western Montana Mental Health CenterResource: Community Health Partners SOURCES:Source: Mental Health MonthSource: Best Online Counseling Services of 2021Source: Emotional Disturbance

Welcome 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 importantGet on the same pageTurn your priorities into goalsRemind yourself of your motivation for debt payoffWatch the numbers changeSet rewards to keep your motivation for debt payoffCelebrate your victories with like-minded people FIND US:Balancedfi.com -- Podcast -- Facebook -- Instagram -- Pinterest -- Hello@balancedfi.com RESOURCES:Read: 7 Steps to Find Your Motivation for Debt PayoffRead: I Can’t Afford Mental Health Care: How to Find Good Care That Fits in Your BudgetRead: How to Set Financial Goals for 2021Read: 5 Quick Questions to Ask Yourself Before PurchasingRead: Financial Security Step 4: Calculate your Net WorthResource: Debt Free ChartsFree Download: Debt Payoff Planner

Welcome 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 coverageReceive the denialCall insuranceGet more informationContact your providerFollow the appeal processAsk what the next step isRESOURCES:Read: The Ultimate Guide to Appealing Health Insurance DenialsRead: Meet RaLeaFax ZeroPatient Advocate Foundation SOURCES:HeathCare.gov: Appealing a health plan decision - External ReviewCenter for Medicare Advocacy: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding the Jimmo v. Sebelius “Improvement Standard” Settlement

Welcome 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 & rewardsTrack your progressNo spend month challengeNo spend days challengeLoose change challengeFirst to save challengePantry challengeDollars per week food challengeKids savings challengeAnnual savings challenge RESOURCES:Read: 10 Ways to Make Saving Money FunFree Download: Financial Goal PlannerRead: 30 Day Challenge + Free 30 Day TrackerRead: 5 Quick Questions to Ask Yourself Before PurchasingRead: 3 Ways to Use Meal Planning to Save MoneyRead: Financial Security Step 2a: Save a Mini Emergency Fund SOURCES:Source: Debt Free ChartsSource: Benefits and Challenges of the 52-Week Savings ChallengeSource: How to Save $7,000 This Year With the $5 a Week Savings ChallengeSource: 52 Week Challenge Plan (Save $1,000) - Free PrintableSource: 52 Week Money Challenge Printable ChartSource: Five Ways To Do A 52 Week Money Challenge + Free PrintableSource: 15 Ways to Make Saving FunSource: 10 Creative Ways to Make Saving Money FunSource: 15 Creative Ways to Save Money