Ever wondered what actually goes on inside the Alliance Coaching Program?

In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be a member. You’ll hear a real coaching conversation from one of our monthly Office Hours where we dig into an important (and super relatable) money question:

👉 What should I do with extra income — pay off debt, save for home improvements, or something else?

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:

• How to prioritize extra money when you’re building your financial foundation

• Why the $1,000 emergency fund is your first non-negotiable step

• How to use the debt snowball method to create momentum and knock out debt faster

• The trade-offs between debt payoff vs. home improvements (and how to decide what’s right for you)

• Why community + coaching makes decision-making about money so much less overwhelming

Inside the Alliance, we don’t just “talk about” budgeting — we celebrate wins, ask hard questions, and get the practical support we need to keep moving forward.

💡 If you’re tired of trying to figure it all out alone, the Alliance Coaching Program is here to help you create a plan that actually works for your family — and stick with it.

👉 Join us inside the Alliance Coaching Program today: https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membership

Drowning in debt is overwhelming—but staying there is optional. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the 3 biggest mistakes I made while paying off $107,000 of consumer debt… and what I would do differently if I could hop in a time machine.

If you’re just starting your debt-free journey or you’re tired of spinning your wheels, these lessons will save you stress, time, and money:

✅ Why building a starter emergency fund is non-negotiable
✅ The budgeting tweak that prevents burnout (yes, fun money matters!)
✅ How accountability and support can speed up your payoff timeline

You don’t need a perfect plan to win with money—you just need the right focus at the right time. Learn from my regrets so you can avoid repeating them, and start moving toward financial freedom with confidence.

👉 Mentioned in this episode:
🎙️ Episode 1: Our $107K Debt Elimination Journey
✨ Free Workshop: 15 Minutes to Money Clarity: www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/clarity

Back-to-school season can feel like a financial ambush—supplies, sports fees, clothes, fundraisers, and picture day all hitting at once. Most families grab the credit card to cover it, but the stress (and interest) sticks around long after the school year starts.

In this episode, I’m sharing three simple, practical hacks to help you handle back-to-school expenses without debt—so you can feel confident and stress-free as your kids head into a new year.

You’ll learn:

• ✅ How to create a sinking fund that makes August expenses way less painful

• ✅ Smart strategies for back-to-school clothes shopping (without blowing the budget)

• ✅ How reusing and inventorying what you already have can save $20–$40 instantly

• ✅ Why progress > perfection when it comes to budgeting during busy seasons

Whether you’ve got little ones just starting school or teens with never-ending sports and activities, these tips will help you cover costs without credit cards—and with a lot more confidence.

✨ Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Debt Rebel Starter Kit (Free Guide) – Build your emergency fund + find hidden money in your budget

• Episode 44: [Saving Money with Secondhand & Consignment Sales]

• Episode 76: [Saying No Without Mom Guilt]

👋 Did this episode help you? Share it with another mama who’s feeling the back-to-school money pressure. Let’s spread the word: you don’t have to go into debt to provide for your kids.

Follow Jewlz The Budget Nerd on Instagram @jewlzthebudgetnerd