Are you worried about how a government shutdown—or any unexpected financial disruption—could affect your family’s budget? In this episode of the Debt Rebel Podcast, I’m giving you practical, no-nonsense tips to take control of your money, even when paychecks aren’t guaranteed.

I dive into real questions from members of the Alliance Coaching Program, covering topics like:

• Creating a survival mode budget to prioritize essentials: roof over your head, food on the table, and transportation.

• Managing debt and understanding the role of credit scores during financial uncertainty.

• Emergency funds vs. debt payoff vs. investing—what to tackle first.

• How to communicate with creditors when income is unstable.

• Month-to-month budgeting adjustments when life and finances shift unexpectedly.

Plus, I give you a behind-the-scenes look at Alliance Coaching Program office hours, sharing how members get personalized answers to their money questions every month—and how you can join too.

💡 If you’re ready to stop living paycheck-to-paycheck and finally build a debt-free, stress-free financial life, this episode is packed with actionable tips to take immediate control of your finances.

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Join the Alliance Coaching Program: jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membership

• Free Debt Rebel Starter Kit: DebtRebelPodcast.com

• Submit questions via voice memo: speakpipe.com/debtrebelpodcast

• Budgeting tip: SuperCook.com – turn what’s in your pantry into easy meals

Key Takeaways:

1. Your emergency fund is the first line of defense—before debt payoff or investing.

2. Essentials come first: housing, utilities, transportation, food, and healthcare.

3. Pause discretionary spending and additional debt payments if your income is unstable.

4. Communicate proactively with creditors if your income is affected.

5. Use a budget as a tool to pause and respond, not react, to financial emergencies.

Connect with Me:

• Website & Resources: DebtRebelPodcast.com

• Join our community & monthly coaching: jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/membership

• Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help other families take control of their finances