The ‘Set It and Forget It’ Budget System for a Clutter-Free Life with the Budget Besties (Ep 279)
Learn how to declutter your finances with the Budget Besties’ “set it and forget it” system. Simplify your money, automate your spending, and start living intentionally, without giving up life’s little joys. **************** Resources Mentioned: Learn to be Bougie on a Budget at https://budgetbesties.com/deanna/ Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/279 Connect with Shana & Vanessa Instagram Financial Coaching for Women Podcast Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram Facebook Website Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room **************** Ever feel like you make good money but have nothing to show for it? You’re not alone. In this fun and practical episode, Deanna sits down with Vanessa and Shana, best friends and master financial coaches known as the Budget Besties, to break down their “Bougie on a Budget” system—a simple, clutter-free approach to money that works automagically. Together, they share how to create a set-it-and-forget-it budget that feels effortless, organized, and totally doable. You’ll learn how to separate your money into purposeful “buckets,” automate your spending, and finally feel in control of your finances (without cutting out your pumpkin spice lattes). Whether you’re tired of tracking every expense or want to bring the same calm to your finances that you’ve brought to your home, this conversation will show you how to make your money work for your intentional life. We Cover: Why most traditional budgets fail and what to do instead. How to build a “set it and forget it” budget that runs automagically. The five simple categories every clutter-free budget should include. A new way to look at saving, spending, and planning for life’s “expected surprises.” The mindset shift that makes managing money feel empowering (not restrictive). Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome and episode overview 02:37 – Meet Shana & Vanessa, the Budget Besties 04:00 – Why women who make good money still feel broke 06:00 – Why most budgets fail (and how to fix it) 08:30 – The “Bougie on a Budget” one-page system 13:00 – What “automagical” budgeting really looks like 16:00 – Organizing your bank accounts for effortless spending 20:30 – The curling iron story: a surprising budgeting analogy 25:00 – Modern money management tools that simplify your life 27:30 – The credit card debate: rewards vs. reality 33:00 – Compromise strategies for couples and families 37:00 – Can you really automate it and forget it? (real-life proof) 40:30 – How best friends built a business around financial freedom 43:00 – Overcoming shame and clutter (at home and with money) 46:00 – Where to find the Budget Besties and their system 50:00 – Final thoughts and a simple financial action step **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How to Finally Get Organized (and Stay That Way) with Meggie Mangione (Ep 278)
Tired of decluttering on repeat? Learn how to create a clutter-free home that lasts with author Meggie Mangione. Real talk, practical systems, and zero judgment for busy, modern women. **************** Resources Mentioned: Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/278 Connect with Meggie Mangione Instagram Meggie’s Website Give Clutter the Middle Finger: A Chingona's Guide Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram Facebook Website Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room **************** Are you tired of organizing the same spaces over and over again? In this episode, Deanna sits down with Meggie Mangione, author of Give Clutter the Middle Finger and creator of Organized Life Design, to talk about what it really means to get organized and how to stay that way. Meggie shares why true organization isn’t about perfection or Pinterest-worthy bins, but about creating a home that feels calm, functional, and aligned with who you are. We Cover: Why focusing on how your space feels leads to more freedom How to declutter without guilt (even sentimental stuff!) Small mindset shifts that make big organizing progress Neurodivergent-friendly strategies that actually work Using “fed-up energy” to finally make change stick Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 02:01 Meet Meggie Mangione 02:42 The Birth of 'Give Clutter the Middle Finger' 06:27 Decluttering During the Pandemic 09:36 The True Test of Being Organized 16:47 Minimalism and Personal Preferences 24:55 The Emotional Challenges of Closets and Keepsakes 26:16 Dealing with Guilt and Finding Donation Avenues 29:12 The Importance of Pacing Yourself with Keepsakes 30:54 The Role of Support in Organizing 33:16 Organizing for Neurodivergent Individuals 41:30 Using Fed Up Energy to Spark Change 44:42 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Clutter, Self-Worth & Spiritual Freedom: Why Letting Go Heals More Than Your Home (EMPOWERING Series Pt. 9: Ep 277)
Does clutter make you feel guilty, drained, or “less than”? In this episode, Deanna Yates explores the deep connection between clutter, self-worth, and spiritual well-being. What you’ll hear in this episode: How clutter affects your sense of worth and self-talk Why clutter creates spiritual disconnection Mindset shifts to release guilt and shame tied to possessions A simple action step to align your home with your deeper “why” 📌 Resources Mentioned: Full show notes: www.wannabeclutterfree.com/277 Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wannabeclutterfree/ Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wannabeminimalist Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Update 00:33 EMPOWERING Life Recap 02:56 The Importance of Worth and Why 09:37 Personal Story: Clutter and Motherhood 15:26 Clutter and Self-Worth Connection 24:30 Practical Guidance and Mindset Shifts 32:42 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Declutter Your Digital Life and Calm Tech Chaos with Amanda Jefferson (Ep 276)
Discover Amanda Jefferson’s simple strategies to declutter your digital life. Learn to streamline emails, photos, and passwords with her FOCUS Method and reclaim calm, clutter-free living. **************** Resources Mentioned: Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/276 Connect with Amanda Jefferson Get Amanda's Tech Survival Guide Instagram Amanda's Website Good Enough-ish Podcast Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram Facebook Website Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room **************** Technology is supposed to make life easier—but often it leaves us drowning in emails, overflowing photo libraries, and password chaos. If your phone or laptop feels like a black hole, this episode is for you. I’m joined by tech and productivity coach Amanda Jefferson, who shares her Tech TRAPS framework (the five biggest digital clutter culprits) and her FOCUS Method for reducing mental load. We dive into practical tips for managing emails, organizing photos, and simplifying your digital tools. Amanda also opens up about how staying organized online helped her family navigate one of life’s toughest seasons. If you’ve been craving a calmer, clutter-free digital life, you’ll leave this episode with quick wins and inspiring new habits you can start today. We Cover: The 5 biggest Tech TRAPS causing digital chaos Amanda’s FOCUS Method to reduce overwhelm and mental load How to streamline emails, passwords, and photo libraries Why digital organization matters for your well-being and even the environment Practical tools to get your tech working for you, not against you Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome + Amanda’s intro 04:00 – What digital clutter really is 06:45 – The 5 Tech TRAPS explained 08:00 – Simple tech tips that save time instantly 10:00 – Where to start when everything feels overwhelming 12:53 – The FOCUS Method to reduce mental load 17:30 – Tackling photo overload without guilt 22:00 – How digital organization supported Amanda during her father’s illness 25:30 – The environmental cost of digital storage 28:00 – Email decluttering tips (delete vs. archive) 34:00 – Why digital clutter adds to mental load 38:00 – Amanda’s Busy Woman’s Tech Survival Guide 41:00 – Final rapid-fire Q&A with Amanda 45:00 – Outro + preview of next week with Meggie Mangione **************** Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com **************** We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How to Live Clutter-Free: Your Top Questions Answered (Ep 275)
Ever feel guilty letting go of things, or wonder if you’re just hiding clutter in bins? In this Q&A, Deanna Yates answers listener questions about decluttering guilt, saying no to social overload, managing digital clutter, and telling the difference between real organizing and disguised clutter. I’m answering listener questions about: Moving past guilt when letting go of items tied to money or memories Finding balance in a packed social calendar without hurting friendships Tackling digital clutter and setting boundaries with notifications Knowing the difference between organizing and simply disguising clutter 📌 Resources Mentioned: Full show notes: www.wannabeclutterfree.com/275 Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wannabeclutterfree/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wannabeclutterfree/ All Podcast Episodes: https://wannabeclutterfree.com/posts Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wannabeminimalist Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review. Timestamps: 00:00: Welcome + Why I Love Q&A Episodes 01:51: Decluttering guilt: erasing history, wasting money, letting go 12:32: Saying no to social overload without losing friends 20:44: Tackling digital clutter + managing notifications 24:56: Are you really organizing or just hiding clutter? 32:02: Final thoughts + upcoming episodes Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices