How I went from having a pile of credit card debt to becoming a successful budgeter and Accredited Financial Counselor®.
Before there was a successful finance blog. Before the life-changing budget and fully funded emergency savings account...there was a "broke rich" girl.
Spending money on things that didn't matter.
Desperately trying to fit in.
Not knowing how she was going to keep up with the minimum payments or put food on the table.
Hair, Nails, Clothes & the Pursuit of Perfection...
I didn't always have this whole money thing figured out.
Before graduating college with a finance degree, I struggled with self-confidence. I spent money on things that I thought would make me feel better, and they did, but it wasn't long before I was back in the mall shopping for my next outfit.
The shift from wanting "to be perfect" to the woman and mom I am now was anything but "glamorous."
When I finally did get serious about tackling my finances, I was plagued with self-doubt, botched budgets, and a battering sense of never being able to reach my goals.
After having my son, and spending month after month trying to keep up with the minimum payments on my credit cards.....
...I quickly realized:
"This is not the life I want to live"
The first year was hard.
I didn't wake up one morning with a perfect budget and all of my credit card debt paid off.
Every step toward financial freedom was impaired by an even more significant hit of mistakes, failed attempts, and spending guilt.
Long hours writing out a budget and creating a plan that never gave me any sign of progress.
Days watching my son, wondering how I was going to provide a life that was better than mine.
Botched debt payoff plans.
A pile of unfinished budgets.
And a bank account that was so small, having 50 dollars in it was considered a "win."
And when I finally did feel like I was making progress:
An unexpected expense or another trip to the mall would ruin everything.
Burning myself out with spending and trying to keep up, trying to portray someone I wasn't, seemed like the only way.
When in reality, deep down, I knew I was merely setting myself up for failure, which really meant I was failing my family.
"So I finally said "NO MORE!"
I discovered that a life of abundance is not about how much you have but how you live.
That there is something more important than money.
I realized that I actually like budgeting. Uh, I know! But sticking to a budget and learning how to save money forces me to appreciate what I already have, and it's surprisingly satisfying.
I learned that my real self is more important than my ideal self. Learning to accept who you are as a person and what you stand for is something that money can never buy.
When I finally doubled down and got serious about tackling my money issues, I learned:
- How to create a realistic budget that worked for my own life, rather than downloading a default template from the internet.
- How to save money without thinking about it.
- How to create a debt payoff plan that allowed me to make real progress.
- How to effectively prioritize my money, so I no longer spent money on things that didn't matter.
And after I figured out all of that....
I discovered that I wanted to help as many women as possible find the same success & peace that I had found.
And best of all...
I have the chance of helping thousands of women and moms just like you sidestep hours of struggle and create an actionable plan for their money.
How?
Taking action.
Over the years, I developed a reputation for teaching people how to turn steps into action.
To stop thinking and start doing.
I go into the serious details that give you the confidence to take the first step and build a life you love on a budget you can afford without the hard-to-swallow financial lingo and boring overwhelm.
I've shown women not only how to build and maintain a family budget but how to do it, so it ACTUALLY WORKS!
I'm able to do this because I've been there.
And because I teach what I know.
I know what it's like to have that gut-wrenching feeling in the pit of your stomach when you've spent money on something you shouldn't have.
The feeling of hopelessness when you realize that your paycheck just isn't enough.
Seeing your kid(s) wondering when life is going to get easier.
I give you all of the information and resources that I have as an Accredited Financial Counselor®, so you can stop worrying and start doing.
Because, hey, a small step is still a step in the right direction.
If you are where I once was, or like what you are reading and want to start taking action right away, check out one of my "how-to" budgeting articles.
Are you ready to take SERIOUS, game-changing action steps for building a life you love on a budget you can afford?
If I read one more success story about how someone "paid off $80.000 worth of debt in 8 months" or "saved $100,000 in one year", I think I might just have to scream.
You read about advice that tells you to cut spending, save more money, and you can do it too - only if you're willing to put in the work.
I know you are ready to do the work.
That's why you are here.
That's why you have poured real hours into trying to make a budget work for your family.
That's why you have given up your much-needed morning latte.
That's why "date" night only involves microwave popcorn and a free movie you can watch on Netflix.
That's why you look at your kid(s) hoping to provide a life that is better than you own.
Don't get sucked into these success stories and think they are the norm. Because they're not.
It usually takes extraordinary circumstances to turn those success stories into reality.
I can't promise you that all of your money troubles will disappear in one day, or that you can save "X" amount of money in one week.
I can promise you that taking the first step is life changing, and I want to help you get there!
If you are reading this, you've already proven that you're ready to take the first step. That you're ready to do the work - you just want to make sure you're taking the right steps at the RIGHT time.
"And feel confident that what you're doing will lead to real progress"
Ready to say "NO MORE" and create a REAL plan for your money?
Get the guidance you need to create a successful budget using the cash envelope method!
Simply click the button below to sign up for my FREE 7-day Budget Blueprint Email Course!
A Little About Me
- Accredited Financial Counselor® and creator of the Live Rich Planner.
- Mom to a rambunctious little boy.
- Fixer Upper fanatic.
- Lover of all animals, especially my guinea pig, Penny.
- Japanese green tea drinker, you know, the real stuff.
INDUSTRY LOVE (A FEW PLACES I HAVE BEEN FEATURED)
Yes!!Happy I found your blog! I purchased your printable sheets and organizer! So excited!!!
Thanks Fabiola. So happy you found TBM!
Such a great site! I love that you empower women to take care and charge of their finances. Very cool that you live in Spokane too!
Thank you so much Ann!
Life of abundance. I love that. I recently came across this word in regards to mantras. This is exactly the word that I think of when I think of life… ABUNDANCE! I love your blog. Let me ask you, I am thinking of doing the Financial Counselor certification because I also desire to help others get out of debt and live a good life. How difficult do you think it is for someone with no financial background? I am a nurse, not a biz major. I help others with budgets, but would like to help them with more than that. Thank you for your time:)
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Hi i tryed getting the budget planner but I’m from Australia and it wont ket me. Any chance that can be chsnged, thankyou
Are Canadians not able to purchase your workbook?
I just ordered your meal planner workbook and I need to know if it will be sent to me via my address, because my printer isn’t working and I am not able to print off anything just yet. I hope that it comes to me by mail to my home. Please let me know, thanks.
Yvonne Givens
I just sent you an email, but this a digital product only. Meaning, it comes as a PDF download that you will need to print off at home.
Yes!
I just want to say thank you for hope! I have had my life imploded by a pathological liar of a husband and I am literally starting over at age 59. I am digging myself out of the mess he created one baby step at a time, but at least I am moving forward! So again I say thank you, just following you gives me hope!
Kathleen, thank you so much for the kind words, and I am so glad I can help!
I literally just found your page on Instagram and I think I have found the inspiration I needed to start our Financial Peace journey. From just the few posts and videos i have seen you absolutely explain things for people that just do not grasp things as fast. All your color printouts will definitely help this cute products kinda girl out. I don’t even have tv,internet or a working printer but I will figure something out. Would have a first step or first time advice for someone who has NEVER done a budget? I appreciate any and all advice.
Sincerely,
Shannon
Hi,
I’m trying to get to your library and I keep signing up and it never comes to my email box so that I can get the code.
Please help.
Jane, please reach out to me via email ([email protected])
Just found you on instagram and loving your videos! Thanks for all the helpful tips and advice.
Thank you, Anna!
Hello,
I have found your blog and I think this is the one I was looking for 🙂
Looking forward to read it all 🙂
Best regards,
Karolina
Great inspirational story. I see your son was your motivation to be better with money. For me, it was wanting a healthier more stress free life. It’s important to have something that’s motivating you when going on a debt free journey.
Absolutely!
I recently came across your YouTube videos within the past few days and binge watched them all day on Sunday!! I am so pleased with your budgeting tools] and purchased the Budget by Paycheck workbook as well as the cash envelopes. I’ve never been so excited to get organized and to budget!! You are so informative and extremely helpful! Thank you!
I am just really beside myself when it comes to budgeting. I don’t know how to start one. I am a saver and my husband is definitely a spender. my question is how to budget when my husband get paid weekly and I get paid biweekly. When is it a good time to budget when you have nothing in your account and your is at zero every pay period. Please help me figure this out. I think method will really help me.
I’ve been watching your YouTube videos for several months now. I’m ready now to start my journey and I’m so grateful that your tools are available to help me. I plan on purchasing several items in the coming weeks. So thank you 🙏🏾
I’ve been watching your YouTube videos and I have started doing the same stuff your doing and I dont care what other people think of me but I want to save and I want to be able to provide for my son and have fun! One day I will get a house!
Since I’ve found TBM my life has exponentially gotten better. I can’t explain how much Miko struck a cord within me that I identified with so much. I am a visual person and this budget planner is so perfect I could scream! I wish I had this in high school and at least in college it could have saved me decades and decades of disaster. Thank you! Miko your a true gift.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
It’s been 4 months now that I am listening to you, read your papers, started my budget and I feel empowered!
Lot and Lot of hard work in front of me but you are inspiration !
Personnaly I like following you on YouTube.
Best to you,
Jerz Quebec, Canada
So excited to start to really budget but I have to say any hesitation was removed when I saw you mention your love for Penny your guinea 💖
I have been searching for a way to budget and dig myself out of this debt hole!
I am so happy to have found you!
I have been watching your videos and reading your blog.
Now working on my budget. I am all in!
I have watched so many videos and read a lot of blogs, but I must say
yours is the only one that really walks you through it step by step.
Thank you for being real! And practicing what you preach!
Hi Kumiko, we love your feed and wanted to know if you’d be interested in a potential brand collaboration! What’s the best way to reach you? We’d love to send you more information.
Thanks Miko! Your workbook is going to be a perfect graduation gift for my kids! I already have mine 🙂
Can you HELP aging Seniors with a Budget that includes Credit Card credit limits? At 72 years of age, we are on a fixed income, Social Security and Pension. Medical expense for our dog, Buddy, and dental care have forced us to use Care Credit. Lawn and garden Spring expenses have brought on Menards and Lowes credit card use. We just need a way to include credit card limits in our budget, as well as monthly AutoPay debits. Can you help? AND we use an on-line market to supplement our monthly fixed income … would you be able to help us with using social media, YouTube and Instagram for expanding our shopper traffic?
I just want to say that I LOVE YOU and I’m so happy I found your blog and I’ve been telling EVERYONE about Budget Mom!! I’ve already started with the workbook and I’m on the 2nd month already. I am just SO glad I found you. If you ever start hiring people I will DEFINITELY apply! 🙂 Such a fun and creative way to budget, thanks so much!!!
I am so excited I have found you. My husband and I have been struggeling with our finances for many years. I think I finally get us on track and then like you something happens, broken down vehicles, lost jobs, job changes that have left us with a lower paycheck, my husband struggles with depression and the last two years have been horrible and he had not been taking care of our property taxes and state taxes like I thought. So I am working hard at trying to get these taken care of and we are also now raising our baby grandson. I am feel that you are the blessing I am looking for to help guide us and getting us back on track and help us to find financial freedom. I like the idea of having a plan for every penny and we are going to start tracking our money this month and work on a pay check to pay check budget. I have enrolled in the email class and can’t wait to get my first email tomorrow.
Thank you for all that you are doing to help us learn how to become better at our finances.
yay!! finally purchased the enveloppes! 🙂 Im ready to follow your guidelines and to become financially stable! Ive struggled with money since a teenager! I’ve always been a shopperholic but now NO MORE! YOURE AMAZING! Thank you for these tools! Cant wait to start! 🙂 when is the work book will come back in stock??
I really like https://www.pennysaviour.com The reason I like this site so much is that rarely do I find a code that does not work. Nothing is more annoying than plugging in coupon code after coupon code to find one that finally works. Another thing I like is that when a coupon code expires, you don’t see it anymore. Great site!
I love that this says you are a Fixer Upper fanatic because this morning I literally described you to my wife as “she looks like Joanna Gaines, but with tattoos” (and I mean that in the best way, because Joanna is gorgeous!!). Love your message! Just discovered you on youtube last night and can’t wait to watch more. You have so many great ideas that I had never thought about (and that are currently busting my budget), like looking at the month ahead to budget for activities. Going to start using that trick immediately!
I really like https://www.websolutionwinner.com The reason I like this site so much is that rarely do I find a code that does not work. Nothing is more annoying than plugging in coupon code after coupon code to find one that finally works. Another thing I like is that when a coupon code expires, you don’t see it anymore. Great site!
Great story. Although it seems you need to have more than $80k of income in 8 months to be able to live and allocate that much money to pay debt. That is not the norm. I am so glad you acknowledge that on your site.
Hi, Kumiko. I heard of you this morning on Good Morning America. I’m reading tons of blogs, and communicating with several bloggers, as I btry to get a grip on my situation: early retired, lots of debt, low fixed income, and risk of exorbitant health costs after I turn 65 in 9/2020. I’m behind the 8-ball. I never had to be in this situation – I made a lot of mistakes. But I just have to move on along and do the best I can to handle it. I intend to use several earning apps, and other “side hustles” to up my income. I think I’ll also create a blog. The primary push will be to meet whatever expenses my health needs demand. I’m also paying off some debt. I’m loving the research and figuring on my plan. I’ve been experimenting at budgets, avoiding debt (not very successfully), and keeping ahead of the game, for almost 40 years. My situation has gone through several life changes, and it’s been very turbulent at times. Finances have been up and down according to what Life gave me.
I’ve been thinking today as I’ve been reading, a whole lot of our approaches to finances can be very emotional. That can be a very difficult thing to navigate. I read recently that they’re now developing a new profession which combines financial planning/advising with psychology and therapy. It seems to me that it’s a very good development.
I’ve always been mostly a paycheck budgeter, but I’ve used other techniques occasionally. I love your budget worksheet. It’s so smart. I’ll be spending time on TBM and on YouTube, drawing on your advice, as part of my process.
Thanks for your work in helping people with these needs. I’ll be in touch.
Sonny
Hello Miko!
I found an article about you on MSN over a month ago and was absolutely floored by your story. I, too, am single, but have no kids, however, due to my overzealous spending over the years, I have gotten myself in the hole as well. I’m still struggling to make ends meet, and thought that there must be a better way to handle my finances. Then you came along! I fell in love with all you have to offer…cash envelopes, tracking sheets and other things that are so helpful. What I love most about all of this is that you make it look fun! (especially the cash envelopes…I feel like I’m cutting paper in arts and crafts LOL..the fun part). I usually have a rule to never carry cash because I would spend it, but now, I’m learning it’s ok to do this, as well as having a more motivation to put money away. I was able to create my own budget folder (aka my budget bible) using some of your sheets and envelopes. I’m finally able to say that I’m getting my finances in order for the first time in over 20 years…Thank you so much for all that you do! Looking forward to more…
I think I found my home! Finally someone to whom I can financially relate. A life time of bad choices… now 55 years old and desperate for real change and retirement. No retirement in sight… working 2 jobs, working 7 days a week, a day off every two months… somethings gotta give.
Thank you for your blog. I look forward to exploring and starting my blog.