When Seasons Change Along With Your Marriage

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Pumpkin spice isn’t the only thing showing up in early fall. Believe it or not, divorce filings also spike this time of year. Yep, just when you thought the biggest expense you’d face in September was back-to-school shopping, the reality is a lot of couples are sitting down with lawyers instead of PTO calendars.

But why fall? Well, think about it. Couples often try to hold it together through the summer for maybe one last family vacation, one more “let’s see if this works” effort while the kids are out of school. And then, when August heat turns into September routines, many people decide it’s time for a fresh start before the holiday season rolls around.

Here’s the tough part: divorce isn’t just emotionally draining, it’s financially draining, too. Money is already one of the biggest stressors in a marriage, and splitting households doesn’t exactly make things easier. If you’re not careful, you can end up with just as much financial heartbreak as marital heartbreak.

So let’s talk about how divorce impacts your money and what you can do to lessen the blow:

1. Two Houses, One Income (or Less)

You go from sharing expenses to doubling them. Mortgage or rent, utilities, insurance—suddenly you’re covering it solo. If you haven’t already, it’s time to put together a realistic budget for your household, not the one that used to be.

2. The “Stuff” Split

Dividing assets sounds fair on paper, but things get tricky fast. Retirement accounts, investments, even furniture, those things don’t just divide cleanly. Before agreeing to anything, understand the tax and long-term implications. A $50,000 retirement account isn’t the same as $50,000 in cash.

3. Debt Doesn’t Magically Disappear

Credit card bills, car loans, and even that home equity line; divorce doesn’t erase them. Be proactive about how debt is divided and whose name it stays under. Otherwise, your credit could take a hit for someone else’s spending.

4. Kids and Cash

If children are involved, child support and possibly alimony come into play. Don’t just think short-term; factor these payments (or the lack of them) into your long-term financial plan.

What You Can Do to Lessen the Impact

  • Get clear on your numbers. Write down your income, expenses, debts, and assets. Knowledge is power.
  • Work with professionals. A lawyer handles the legal side, but a financial coach helps you look at the big picture—budgeting, saving, retirement, even rebuilding your money mindset.
  • Adjust your lifestyle quickly. It’s tempting to keep living like you did as a couple, but the sooner you shift, the stronger you’ll feel financially.
  • Guard your heart and your wallet. Emotional decisions lead to expensive mistakes whether that’s fighting over the couch or giving up assets just to “get it over with.”

And let’s not forget the spiritual side matters, too. God isn’t surprised by your situation, and He isn’t leaving you to figure it out alone. In Proverbs 24:3 it says, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.” Even if your marriage is ending, you can rebuild your financial house with wisdom and understanding.

Divorce is tough, but God still has a plan and thankfully, so can your budget (even if it involves more coffee and less Netflix)

The Bottom Line

Fall may be “divorce season,” but it doesn’t have to be financial disaster season. With the right plan, the right mindset, and a little faith, you can come out stronger both emotionally and financially. And when you’re ready, I’m here to walk you through the money side of things so you can focus on building a new, solid foundation.

From Piggy Banks to Paychecks: Why Kids Need Money Lessons Early

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I still remember the first time my daughter asked me for money. She was maybe four years old, holding a crumpled dollar in her little hand like it was gold. She looked up at me with those big brown eyes and said, “Mommy, can I buy all the candy?”

That was my wake-up call.

Teaching kids about money is a lot like teaching them to ride a bike. You don’t just shove them on a two-wheeler, give a little push, and pray they figure it out before crashing into the mailbox. No, you start with training wheels. You run alongside them. You let them wobble, tip, and scrape a knee or two while you cheer them on.

Money works the same way.

Kids don’t come with a built-in money manual. They come with big dreams, sticky fingers, and an uncanny ability to find the toy aisle like it’s the Promised Land. But if we don’t start teaching them about money when they’re small, they’ll grow up learning about it the hard way, usually from the school of overdraft fees and credit card debt.

Money is one of those topics we sometimes whisper about, like it’s too big or too grown-up for kids to understand. But we need to remember, they’re watching us. They notice when we swipe a card at Target like it’s magic. They notice when we sigh at the kitchen table with the stack of bills. They notice when we drop a $20 in the offering plate on Sunday. They’re learning whether we say anything or not. Just like little seedlings, they soak it all in, even if they don’t have words for it yet.

And that’s why it matters to start early.

Give them chances to handle money. Instead of waiting until they’re teenagers and suddenly expect them to “get it,” why not start now? Give them little bits of responsibility early. A dollar to put in the offering plate. A piggy bank where they can watch their coins grow. Let them save for something they want instead of handing it to them right away. That’s watering the seed.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Yvonne, my kids can’t even keep their shoes on the right feet, and you want me to trust them with money?” Yep. Because learning about money when the stakes are small is exactly the point. Better they “waste” $5 on slime or Pokémon cards now than $500 on a credit card bill later.

God says in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” That doesn’t just mean teaching them to say “please” and “thank you.” It means showing them how to live wisely including how to use money in a way that honors Him.

When we start early, those lessons take root.

And if they mess it up? Well, isn’t that the safest time for them to learn while the “budget crisis” is just about a lost dollar and not about not being able to pay rent?

So, start the conversation. Make it fun. Let them make a few mistakes while the stakes are low. Teach them about giving, saving, and spending in that order. You’ll be planting seeds that will grow into wisdom later and maybe, just maybe, you’ll save yourself from being the family ATM when they’re 25.

Because at the end of the day, money isn’t just about numbers. It’s about values, choices, and trusting God with what we’ve been given. And those are lessons worth teaching as soon as their little hands can hold a dollar bill.

Is Owning a Home a Blessing—or a Burden?

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Somewhere along the line, we were told that buying a home is the big “American Dream.” You know, fresh-cut grass, neighbors waving from the driveway, and a dog that finally has a yard to dig in. But as a financial educator and someone who spent years in real estate and mortgage, I want to slow us down for a second and ask: Is this dream really your dream right now or is it someone else’s?

Homeownership can be a beautiful blessing. It can give you stability, equity, a sense of accomplishment, and a place to build memories. But before you start shopping for throw pillows and paint colors, let’s talk about what it really takes to be ready.

More Than a Mortgage

Buying a home is not just about affording the monthly payment. It’s about understanding the whole picture. Property taxes, insurance, maintenance, HOA fees, and yes, that water heater that always seems to break at the worst possible time.

It’s like Luke 14:28 reminds us: “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost?” God isn’t trying to scare us with that scripture, He’s reminding us that wisdom is in preparation.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying

Instead of asking, “Can I buy a house?” try asking:

  • Do I have a healthy emergency fund for the unexpected?
  • Is my income steady enough to handle both the expected and the surprises?
  • Will buying this home bring peace to my life or pressure?
  • Am I looking at this house as an investment in my future, or as a way to prove something to others?

Sometimes the most powerful prayer you can pray in this process is, “Lord, is this right for me?”

The Beauty of Renting

Here’s where I like to shift the narrative: renting isn’t a “failure.” Renting gives you flexibility, space to change paths without being tied to a mortgage. It allows you to focus on building your foundation, whether that’s paying off debt, growing savings, or preparing for the home that will truly fit your life later on.

My Personal Take

There have been seasons when buying a home was the right move for me, and seasons when renting gave me the freedom I needed. The truth is, neither one makes you more “grown up” or more successful. What matters is whether your choice lines up with your values and with God’s plan for your life.

A Final Word

Whether you buy or rent, your worth isn’t tied to your mortgage statement. Proverbs 24:3 says, “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.” The wisdom comes first—the house comes second.

So if you’re thinking about buying, pray about it, run the numbers, count the costs, and make sure it fits not just your budget, but your calling. And when the time is right, you’ll step into it with peace, not pressure.

And if you do end up with that yard, may God bless you with the kind of joy that makes it more than just a piece of land, it becomes a piece of your story.

When Love and Money Collide: The Financial Realities of Being a Pet Parent

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I just got home from vacation. It was a wonderful time with family and other loved ones. But this post isn’t about leaving for vacation. It’s about coming home.

As soon as I pulled into the driveway, all I wanted to do was throw my arms around my dogs. If you’re a pet parent, you know that feeling, coming home to wagging tails, happy barks, and that unmistakable sense that you were truly missed. I missed them just as much. That reunion was pure joy.

But life has a way of mixing joy with heartbreak. The very next day, my sister’s dog had to be put down because of an unforeseen complication from his long-term health condition. Watching her walk through that grief so suddenly was devastating. It also stirred up so many memories of my own journey with pets and the way they can impact not only our hearts but also our finances.

The Day Nordy Got Sick

Years ago, when I lived in Texas, I learned this lesson in the hardest way. Nordy, my sweet dog, was diagnosed with Giardia. What I thought would be a simple round of medicine turned into weeks of treatments and thousands of dollars in vet bills. I can still remember standing at the pay portal at the vet, ready to take him home, looking at the invoice totals that rivaled car payments, wondering how I was going to cover it all.

But when you look into the eyes of the dog who’s been by your side through so much, there’s no hesitation you find a way. And I did. Still, that season taught me how quickly pet care can go from routine to overwhelming.

Another Blow

Years later, tragedy struck again. Something happened at the groomer (I will likely never know the whole story), and Nordy eventually had to have both of his eyes removed. The grief of watching him go through surgeries and recoveries was almost unbearable. The bills stacked up again, and I had to face those familiar feelings of stress and worry.

And yet Nordy amazed me. Once he healed, he adjusted to life without sight in a way that inspired me more than words can explain. He showed resilience, adaptability, and courage. In a strange way, he taught me more about navigating life’s challenges than some people ever could.

The Hard Reality of Pet Care

Pets bring us unconditional love, laughter, and companionship. They become part of our family in every sense of the word. But being a pet parent also means stepping into financial and emotional responsibility that can sometimes be overwhelming.

It’s not just about the cost of food, toys, and yearly checkups. It’s the curveballs, emergencies, accidents, and long-term conditions that test your ability to say “yes” to care when your heart is begging you to do it, but your finances are whispering, “maybe you can’t.”

That’s where the true weight of pet ownership lies: in the moments where love collides with money. When you’re financially unprepared, the choices become heavier, the guilt grows stronger, and the grief cuts deeper.

Planning for the Ones Who Can’t Plan for Themselves

This is why financial planning isn’t just about retirement or paying off debt. It’s about preparing for all the pieces of your life that matter most, including the furry ones who greet you at the door.

Having an emergency fund, a budget that allows for unexpected costs, or even pet insurance can make all the difference between being able to move forward with treatment or being cornered into a heartbreaking decision. Preparation gives you freedom, the freedom to say yes without wondering how you’ll pay for it later.

As much as we wish it did, love alone doesn’t pay the vet bills. Preparation does. And when you prepare, you not only protect your finances, you protect your peace of mind in the moments you need it most.

Pets change us. They love us in ways that are pure and uncomplicated. They deserve our love back, both in cuddles and in the quiet, behind-the-scenes choices we make to be ready for whatever life throws their way.

The Middle

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There’s a stretch of life that feels like a pressure cooker. You’re not just building your own future, you’re supporting everyone else’s too. The kids still need you. The parents now do, too. And somehow, you’re expected to keep the lights on, stay sane, and have a retirement plan in place.

Welcome to the middle.

This stage, often called the “sandwich generation”,  is where so many people find themselves emotionally stretched and financially scrambled. You’re the go-to person for school pickups, sports fees, emergency dental appointments, and also the one researching Medicare plans, managing doctor visits, and making sure your parents don’t fall for the latest scam call.

It’s a season of deep love, real responsibility, and if we’re being honest…a little chaos.

The Unspoken Toll

Let’s talk numbers for a second. It’s not just the emotional labor. It’s the money.

You might be covering part of your parents’ prescriptions, helping with their rent, or paying for in-home care. At the same time, your teenager just announced they want to tour colleges, each one with a tuition price tag that could fund a luxury car.

Add in your own rising property tax, food costs that feel like a prank, and the guilt of not saving enough for your own retirement, and yeah, it’s a lot.

And here’s the kicker: Most people in this spot don’t talk about it. They just quietly stretch their budgets, skip vacations, and push their own goals to the back burner.

The Myth of “Having It All Together”

There’s this subtle pressure to pretend you’re managing just fine. But behind closed doors, the budget spreadsheet isn’t adding up. You’ve dipped into savings. You’re making minimum payments. And sometimes, you wonder how long you can keep this up.

If this is you, let me say this clearly: “If it feels like you’re sinking, maybe it’s because you’ve taken on a load too heavy to carry alone.

What You Can Do (Even If It’s Not Perfect)

You may not be able to fix everything overnight, but there are a few things that can make this season more manageable:

  • Get brutally honest about your numbers. It’s tempting to avoid the hard look at the bank account. But clarity is a kindness to your future self.
  • Prioritize ruthlessly. You can’t give everyone everything. Choose what really matters right now; maybe it’s college savings over a new car, or saying no to a costly family event you can’t swing this year.
  • Ask for help. From your siblings, from your partner, from a financial coach. You don’t have to do this alone.
  • Talk to your kids and your parents. When transparency is shared with love and care, it builds trust, and sometimes it even sparks unexpected solutions, like scholarships or shared caregiving that come out of family brainstorming sessions.
  • Give yourself grace. This isn’t a season of perfect plans. It’s a season of surviving with heart.

This Is Temporary

It doesn’t always feel like it, but this season will change. Your parents won’t need the same level of care forever. Your kids won’t live at home forever (even if it really seems like they might). And eventually, you’ll come up for air.

But while you’re in the middle, remember this: You’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong. You’re just doing what strong, loving, resilient people have always done—figuring it out, one hard decision at a time.

And that, my friend, is something to be proud of.

When Peace Feels Wrong and Stability Feels Boring

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Let’s talk about something uncomfortable.

Not credit scores.
Not retirement accounts.
Not budgeting.

Let’s talk about the part of you that might be addicted to chaos.

I know, I know! The word addicted feels dramatic all on its own. But hang with me.

You might not be chasing drama on purpose. You’re not starting fights or stirring up messes. But if you’re constantly dealing with emergencies, living paycheck to paycheck (even when you make decent money), or finding yourself stuck in the same stressful financial patterns, there might be something deeper going on.

And it’s not just about dollars. It’s about what your nervous system has learned to expect.

Trauma and Drama: The Financial Loop

If you grew up in a home where money was always tight, unpredictable, or used as a weapon, your body may have learned to live in crisis mode.

And now, as an adult, crisis feels… normal. Familiar. Even safe.

So when things are calm, when your bills are paid, when your savings account is growing, you may unconsciously self-sabotage.

You buy something you don’t need.
You stop checking your bank account.
You help someone out financially (again) even though you don’t actually have the margin.

And boom, chaos is back. Crisis mode returns. And your nervous system can breathe a twisted sigh of relief: Ahhh, yes, back where we belong.

That’s what addiction looks like. Not because you’re weak, but because your body is just trying to survive in the only way it knows how.

Financial Drama Is a Distraction

Here’s the hard truth: staying stuck in trauma and drama keeps you from having to do the slow, sometimes boring work of building a stable life.

Creating a budget, sticking to it, setting long-term goals, saying no when it’s easier to say yes, these things don’t always feel exciting. They don’t give you that adrenaline rush that a financial emergency does.

But they do give you peace. And purpose. And the kind of freedom that doesn’t come from a tax refund or a side hustle. It comes from consistency.

God Didn’t Design You to Live in Constant Survival

Let’s get spiritual for a second. Because this isn’t just psychological or financial, it’s also deeply spiritual.

God doesn’t call us to chaos.
He doesn’t say, “I came so they could barely scrape by.”
He says, “I came so they may have life, and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Abundance doesn’t mean designer bags or Instagram vacations. It means enough. It means peace in your decisions. It means margin. It means getting out of survival mode and into stewardship.

If your nervous system is addicted to drama, it’s going to fight you every time you try to rest, save, or say “no.”

But that’s not the voice of God. That’s the voice of your past trying to hold your future hostage.

How to Break the Cycle

Here’s where we start:

1. Tell the truth.
Admit when you’re creating chaos out of habit. Admit when calm feels scary. That’s not weakness, that’s wisdom.

2. Pause before reacting.
Before making a big purchase, saying yes to helping someone, or ignoring your bills, take a beat. Ask: “Am I solving a real problem, or am I chasing that drama high again?”

3. Create routines that feel safe.
Budgeting, tracking expenses, and planning your financial week, these aren’t chores. They’re anchors. They help your nervous system learn what safety feels like.

4. Invite God into your money.
Ask Him to break your patterns. To heal your heart. To help you see money as a tool, not a trap.

5. Get help.
You’re not meant to do this alone. Whether it’s a coach (hi, that’s me), a therapist, or a trusted accountability partner, bring people into your healing.

You need to understand, you are not lazy, and you’re not bad with money. You’re not broken.

You’re likely exhausted. And your brain has confused chaos with comfort.

But you can change that.
You can heal.
And you can build a financial life that doesn’t just look good, but actually feels good.

Drama doesn’t have to be your default. Peace can be your new normal.

You Can’t Take It With You, But You Will Leave a Trail

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Most of us don’t lie awake at night thinking about our “financial legacy.” We’re thinking about how to stretch this week’s paycheck, how to pay for braces or college or a leaky roof, and how to somehow enjoy life in the middle of all that. Legacy sounds like something for the rich. Like a trust fund with a nameplate.

But that’s a myth.
Your financial legacy isn’t about wealth. It’s about intention.

It’s not just what you leave behind, it’s how you live now.

And whether you’re the type to meal prep and coupon clip, or you’re on a first-name basis with DoorDash, you’re already building your legacy.

Let’s Back Up: What Is a Financial Legacy?

Your financial legacy is the impact your money habits, decisions, and values have on others, long after you’re gone. It’s not just a will or a life insurance policy (though please, go make one of those).
It’s the story your finances tell about your life. About what mattered. About what you prioritized. It’s the story your dollars tell about what mattered to you. Maybe it’s the house you built equity in and passed on. Maybe it’s the business you started from scratch that changed your family’s future. Maybe it’s that you taught your kids to tithe before they even understood how taxes work. Maybe it’s simply that you taught your kids how not to fear money.

Everyone leaves one.
The question is: Will yours be by design or by default?

Let me ask you this: when you think about your parents’ or grandparents’ relationship with money, what comes to mind? Was it survival mode? Scarcity? Generosity? Guilt? Hustle culture? Were there unspoken rules about debt, giving, or talking about money?

Those silent messages are part of a financial legacy. And if we’re not careful, we pass them on, whether we meant to or not.

So… What Do You Want It to Be?

Here’s where things get exciting, and, yes, a little convicting. You get to write this story. You get to choose what your money says about your life. And before you start spiraling into shame or overthinking your current bank balance, take a breath. Legacy isn’t about never making mistakes. It’s about being intentional.

Some of the most powerful legacies don’t come with dollar signs.

Legacy isn’t just for “someday.” It starts now.
In the daily decisions.
In the silent generosity.
In the way you manage what you’ve been given, whether that’s a little or a lot.

Start with questions like:

  • What money values do I want to pass down?
  • What do I want my kids (or community, or nieces and nephews) to learn by watching me?
  • How do I want to model both faithfulness and freedom?

Maybe your financial legacy is showing your daughter she doesn’t have to go broke to prove she’s successful. Maybe it’s modeling generosity in small, consistent ways. Maybe it’s paying off your debt so your kids don’t inherit your stress.

And yes, maybe it is setting up a trust, or teaching your children how to run the family business. But that all starts with a change of mindset.

If all of this feels like a lot, take it one step at a time. You don’t need to fix everything overnight. You don’t need a six-figure income to have a seven-generation impact. You just need to start living your values with your money, right now, right where you are.

Your legacy isn’t just something you leave. It’s something you live.
And every time you choose wisdom over worry, generosity over fear, stewardship over chaos, you’re building it.

So again I ask:
What do you want your financial legacy to be?
And better yet…
What are you doing about it today?

What If I Mess It Up?  

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Let’s talk about the panic that sets in when life throws you a curveball… and money starts lurking in the background like a nosy neighbor peeking through the blinds whispering, “You gonna handle this or…?”

Whether it’s a divorce, a new job, a layoff, a baby, an empty nest, or just waking up one day feeling like someone replaced your life with a new script and forgot to give you the next page, it’s wild how fast everything can change. And when it does, money decisions feel like fragile bomb wires you’re terrified to cut.

Suddenly, every question feels loaded:

  • Should I move?
  • Can I afford this new direction?
  • Do I cash out the retirement fund or just cry and scroll Zillow? (my former go-to)
  • What does “rebalance your portfolio” even mean, and why does it sound violent?

Why We Freeze (Even Smart People)

You can be incredibly capable and still find yourself absolutely paralyzed when it’s time to decide what to do with your money in a big life transition. Why?

Because money feels finite. It feels like whatever decision you make has to be the right one, or you’ll ruin everything.

You’re not clueless. Your life just outgrew the old plan.

We fear failure. Fear regret. Fear of making it worse. Fear of disappointing people. Fear of having to explain it to your ex, your mom, your financial advisor, or even just your cat, who seems unusually judgmental lately.

And so, instead of deciding, you start Googling things like:

  • “Is ‘hope’ a legit financial strategy?”
  • “Would a grown adult ask their mom to pick their health plan?”
  • “Is there a budget app that comes with a therapist?

You start cleaning the kitchen. You watch YouTube videos about minimalism. You open your spending plan, then immediately close it and make a snack. Decision fatigue sets in before you’ve even made a decision.

And then you realize you’re not stuck. You’re scared. And that’s okay.

Change, even the kind you asked for, is still a form of loss. You’re grieving the old version of you, the familiar routines, the financial plan that may have worked for that past season.

What you need isn’t a perfect plan. It’s a kind voice (yours or borrowed) that says:

“You don’t have to get it all right today. You just have to start.”

And if you’re a person of faith, here’s the reminder you might’ve needed: You don’t have to carry the weight of every decision on your own. God isn’t sitting back waiting for you to figure it out. He’s ready to walk with you through it. Ask Him. Even if your prayer is just, “God, I don’t know what I’m doing, but I don’t want to do it alone.”

Money decisions are rarely one-and-done. They’re more like a recipe you can tweak along the way. Maybe you start with one small thing:

  • Cancel a subscription.
  • Ask someone you trust a question.
  • Look at your account balances without bracing for emotional impact.
  • Say out loud, “I want to feel safe with money again.”

Funny Thing About Fear…

Fear tries to convince you that making the wrong money decision is the end of the world. But let me tell you what usually ends up happening is you either:

  1. Make a good decision and feel amazing.
  2. Make a so-so decision and learn from it.
  3. Or…make a weird choice, fix it later, and now you’ve got a story that starts with “Okay, don’t judge me, but…”

And guess what? All of those paths still lead forward. And not one of them catches God off guard, even if you’re surprised by the outcome.

So, What Now?

If you’re in the middle of a life change and terrified to touch your finances, just breathe. You don’t need to build Rome (or your retirement plan) in a day.

Start by admitting you’re scared to choose. That honesty alone will take some of the power out of the fear. Then, get curious. Ask:

  • What do I need to feel a little more secure right now?
  • Is there someone who can help me think through this without pressure?
  • What’s one small money win I could try this week?

And pray. Even about your budget. Even about what’s in your cart. Even about whether to downsize or stay put. There’s no shame in asking God to lead you in the practical stuff.

Courage isn’t about being fearless. It’s about showing up scared and doing something anyway. Even if that “something” is just opening your banking app without closing one eye and whispering a prayer first.

You’ve got this. Life changed, but you’re still here. And the future version of you is quietly cheering you on from the other side of this decision.

Also… your cat forgives you. Probably.

It’s Okay to Change the Plan

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There’s a moment in life when you look around and think: I’m not who I used to be.

Maybe it’s subtle like realizing you no longer enjoy the things you used to. Maybe it’s big like going through a divorce, getting married, having a baby, switching careers, or stepping into entrepreneurship. Whatever it is, something inside you has shifted.

You’ve grown.

You’ve evolved.

So why are you still using the same money plan from a version of you that no longer exists?

The Budget That Doesn’t Fit Anymore

A money plan isn’t just a spreadsheet. It’s a reflection of your values, your priorities, your goals, and your identity. And if you’ve changed, if your life has changed, then sticking to the same old budget is like wearing clothes that don’t fit anymore.

Sure, they technically cover you. But they don’t feel right.
They pinch. They restrict. They don’t give you room to breathe, stretch, or move forward.

So, if you’re feeling off financially, it’s not necessarily because you’re doing something wrong.

It might just be that you’ve outgrown the plan.

A plan made by a different version of you. A version who was in survival mode, or trying to please everyone, or following rules that never really fit in the first place.

You’ve healed. You’ve evolved. You’ve stepped into a new season.

And new seasons call for new plans.

You’re Not “Bad With Money”—You’re Outdated

This part is important, so read it twice:
If you’re struggling with your finances right now, it might not be because you’re bad with money.

It might be because your money plan is built for a person you no longer are.

A single mom going back to school has a completely different financial reality than she did when she was child-free and working full-time.
A new entrepreneur can’t rely on the same paycheck-to-paycheck plan they used when they had a 9-to-5.
And someone who’s healing from a toxic relationship might need space, and a spending plan, that prioritizes self-care and rebuilding trust in themselves.

Your money needs to meet you where you are now, not where you were two years ago, or where someone else thinks you should be.

The Spiritual Side of Shifting Your Finances

For those of us who walk with faith, change is not only allowed, it’s expected.

God does not create you to stay the same. He prunes. He redirects. He places you in new seasons, not to punish you, but to grow you.

So why would your finances be any different?

Too often, we treat our finances like a separate part of life, like God is invited into our relationships, our parenting, or our healing… but not our bank accounts.

But God cares about it all.

He sees your desire to be a good steward. He knows the pressure you carry. And He’s not asking for perfection. He’s asking for surrender.

Sometimes, the tension you feel in your finances isn’t a failure. It’s God whispering, This plan no longer fits the person I’m growing you into.

So what if instead of judging yourself… you paused and listened?

What if the struggle was just an invitation to co-create something new with Him right beside you?

Give Yourself Permission

Here’s what I want you to know: You have permission to change your mind. You have permission to rewrite the plan.

You’re allowed to create a money strategy that reflects the season you’re currently in, not the one you survived, or the one you’re trying to impress others with, or the one that “should” make sense on paper.

Let it reflect your values now. Let it support your mental health now. Let it guide your decisions in ways that align with the truth of who you are now.

Your Financial GPS

Think of your money plan like a GPS. When you take a detour, whether by choice or by circumstance, the map doesn’t yell at you or freeze in judgment.

It simply says:
“Recalculating.”

And it gives you a new route.

So if you’ve changed… maybe it’s time your budget says, “Recalculating,” too.
Not because you failed. But because you’re headed somewhere new.
And you deserve a financial plan that can grow with you. One that’s rooted in grace, grounded in reality, and fueled by hope.

Need help with that recalculating moment?
That’s what I’m here for. Let’s make sure your money plan reflects this version of you, the one who’s still learning, still growing, and still worthy of wealth and peace.

The Untreated Truth

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

You can’t fix a leaky faucet by pretending the kitchen floor is just naturally damp. And you can’t heal what you won’t name. That’s where most of us get stuck. We feel the anxiety, the frustration, the pit in our stomach that shows up at 2 AM, but we wave it off. “Oh, I’m fine. I’m just a little tired.”

Sure. And I’m an Olympic figure skater. In heels.

The truth is, naming what’s going on is terrifying because it makes it real. Saying, “I’m scared about this new marriage,” or “I feel lost after this divorce,” or “Starting my business has me completely overwhelmed,” feels like putting a neon sign over our head that flashes: I DON’T HAVE IT ALL TOGETHER.

But guess what? You don’t have it all together. None of us do. And the sooner you admit it, the sooner you can actually do something about it. Pretending everything is fine is like duct taping your check engine light and hoping for the best. Spoiler alert: that engine is still going to blow. Probably on the highway. Probably when you’re already late.

Life changes—whether you’re standing at the altar, staring at a positive pregnancy test, sitting across from a divorce attorney, or trying to figure out if LLC or S-corp makes you sound more impressive—will stir up every single unhealed, unnamed thing inside you. And money? Oh, money loves to poke those tender spots.

If you grew up thinking money was tight, or you watched your parents fight about it, or you felt like you never quite got it right yourself, guess what happens when you’re about to combine finances with a spouse, or figure out maternity leave, or split assets, or launch your dream business? All that old junk comes flying out like confetti from a busted balloon. And if you don’t name it, you’ll just keep reacting to it. You’ll pick fights over Target runs or blow up your budget because “you deserve it,” when really, you’re just trying to quiet that panicked little voice inside that you’re too scared to acknowledge.

When you name it—”I’m terrified I’ll mess up our finances like my parents did”—you take its power away. You can work with something you name. You can build a plan around it. You can create habits that make space for both your fear and your goals. You can even call in help—a coach, a therapist, a very honest best friend who doesn’t let you get away with your usual nonsense.

But you can’t fix what you’re pretending isn’t there.

So go ahead. Say it out loud. Whisper it if you have to. Write it down where no one sees it. Name the thing. The fear, the hurt, the story you keep dragging around. Because once you name it, you can finally start healing it. And believe me, that feels way better than pretending your kitchen floor is just… naturally damp.