Budgeting, Priorities & Financial Freedom

Budgeting, Priorities & Financial Freedom

🎙️ BUDGETING, PRIORITIES & FINANCIAL FREEDOM A heart-to-heart conversation with Melissa Gordon. Many of us carry fear, stress, or even shame around money. Whether you're living paycheck to paycheck, avoiding your bank account, or simply wondering where your money keeps disappearing, this conversation offers a different perspective: budgeting isn't about restriction, it's about freedom. In this episode, Michelle sits down with her longtime friend Melissa Gordon, whose journey from a young single mom earning $8 an hour to a financially secure executive was built not on luck or complicated strategies, but on intentional choices, consistent habits, and a simple budgeting system. Melissa shares how tracking her spending helped her avoid bankruptcy, pay off debt, build wealth, and create a life aligned with her values. Together, Michelle and Melissa discuss why budgets often feel intimidating, how taking agency over your finances can reduce anxiety, and why understanding where your money goes is one of the most empowering things you can do. They also dive into their family's tradition of "No Spend January," the importance of spending according to your priorities, and how budgeting can become a tool for living more fearlessly—not just financially, but in every area of life. Whether you're just getting started or looking to regain control of your finances, this episode will encourage you to take the first step. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: * Why budgeting creates freedom rather than restriction * How tracking your spending can reveal hidden "money leaks" * The difference between spending, saving, and investing * How to align your finances with your values and priorities * Why small, consistent changes often create lasting results * The concept behind "No Spend January" and financial resets * How budgeting can reduce stress and strengthen relationships * Practical first steps for anyone who feels overwhelmed by money 💬 KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Budgeting creates freedom, not restriction * Awareness helps you make intentional spending choices * “No Spend” months can reset spending habits * Spending naturally rises with income if you don’t control it * Allow yourself planned spending so budgeting is sustainable * Don’t wait for perfection—just start * Spend in alignment with your values RESOURCES MENTIONED * The Tightwad Gazette [https://amzn.to/4unfgrV] by Amy Dacyczyn — Practical, no-frills money-saving ideas focused on stretching resources and reducing waste. * The Millionaire Next Door [https://amzn.to/49KGwt5]by Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko — Research-based insights into how everyday people quietly build wealth over time. * The Millionaire Mind [https://amzn.to/43PW0Zg] by Thomas J. Stanley — Explores the habits and thinking patterns behind long-term financial success. * Your Money or Your Life [https://amzn.to/4fPrar9] by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez — A framework for understanding the relationship between time, money, and life energy. Some links in these show notes are affiliate links.This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you. 💛 ABOUT MELISSA GORDON Melissa Gordon is an executive leader and mom of four who learned how to manage money in a very real-life way starting at about $8 an hour while raising a young child and working her way out of debt. During that season, she built a simple spreadsheet system to track every dollar, bringing structure and clarity to a very uncertain financial picture. What began as a survival tool gradually became a lifelong approach to budgeting and forecasting that she still uses today. Her system focuses on visibility, consistency, and intentional decision-making. Melissa’s approach is practical and grounded: know your numbers, stay consistent, and use budgeting as a tool for freedom - not restriction. STAY CONNECTED WITH LIVING FEARLESSLY 🎧 New episodes released weekly. ➕ Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs encouragement. ✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at hello@livingfearlessly.us [hello@livingfearlessly.us].

Don’t Mix the Play-Doh: Motherhood, Memories & Letting Go

🎙️ DON’T MIX THE PLAY-DOH: MOTHERHOOD, MEMORIES & LETTING GO A heartfelt conversation with Jacki Ascough. What if the very chaos you’re trying to survive today becomes the thing you miss the most tomorrow? In this heartfelt and deeply relatable episode of Living Fearlessly, Michelle sits down with new friend and fellow mama Jacki Ascough — a Texas native who spent over 30 years raising her family in Ireland before returning to the United States. Together, they share an honest conversation about motherhood, memories, grief, family culture, launching children into adulthood, screen-time struggles, perfectionism, faith, and learning how to hold each season of life with open hands. From mixed-up Play-Doh and overflowing laundry baskets to adult children returning home with guitars, grandbabies, and new memories to make, this episode is a beautiful reminder that love matters more than perfection, and that the little moments we rush through today often become the moments we treasure most later. Michelle and Jacki reflect on: * The bittersweet transition from raising children to launching them * Why moms often cling to perfectionism and control * Creating a home your children actually want to come back to * The grief that comes when kids leave home - and the beauty that follows * Raising children in a screen-saturated world * The importance of apologizing to your children * Letting go of shame and embracing growth * Why discipline, warmth, faith, and fun all matter in family culture * Learning to savor every season before it changes If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by motherhood, discouraged by your imperfections, or afraid you’re “getting it wrong,” this conversation will remind you that love covers far more than you think. Because someday, you may just miss the noise, the mess, the socks on the floor… and even the mixed-up Play-Doh. 💬 KEY TAKEAWAYS: * The seasons of family life change faster than we realize * Your children won’t remember perfection - they’ll remember love * A peaceful home is built through connection, not control * It’s okay to apologize to your children and model humility * Creating warm memories matters more than maintaining perfect order * Social media and screens require intentional boundaries * Grieving changing seasons is healthy and normal * The goal is to create a home your children want to return to * God can redeem every imperfect part of our parenting journey * Living fearlessly means surrendering our children - and ourselves - to God RESOURCES MENTIONED * The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People [https://amzn.to/4u32hM4] by Stephen Covey * Brené Brown [https://amzn.to/4f4YMkk] and her work on shame, vulnerability, and wholehearted living * The Dialogue of Saint Catherine of Siena [https://amzn.to/4ds5bF1] * Spirit Radio [https://www.spiritradio.ie/] Some links in these show notes are affiliate links.This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you. 💛 ABOUT JACKI Radio Presenter/Consultant at Mother of Divine Grace School Jacki met her husband, Tom,  over a game of volleyball in Houston, Texas.  Her “yes” to Tom that day led to her conversion to Catholicism, moving to Ireland, 27+ years of marriage, ten children, and (so far) six grandchildren.  Jacki divides her time between teaching NFP (Natural Family Planning), presenting Saturday Magazine on Spirit Radio, and home-educating their children.  She is also a private consultant supporting Irish families who are enrolled in Mother of Divine Grace School, a Catholic online Classical Curriculum. Jacki speaks publicly on Catholic issues, and has appeared on KTRK-TV Houston, RTÉ, Virgin Media, BBC, and various American, Irish and UK radio programs and podcasts. You can find Jacki on Instagram at: @jackilinn67 [https://www.instagram.com/jackilinn67/] STAY CONNECTED WITH LIVING FEARLESSLY 🎧 New episodes released weekly. ➕ Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs encouragement. ✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at hello@livingfearlessly.us [hello@livingfearlessly.us].

Hiding in the Sanity Closet: Practicing Delight, Hot Flashes, & Holy Joy

🎙️ HIDING IN THE SANITY CLOSET: PRACTICING DELIGHT, HOT FLASHES, & HOLY JOY A heartfelt conversation with The Sanity Closet sisters. What if joy isn’t something we stumble upon… but something we practice? Warning: This episode contains sister chaos, ADHD tangents, accidental theology, hot flash commentary, and a whole lot of laughter. In this laughter-filled and deeply honest episode of Living Fearlessly, Michelle and her sisters gather for one of their signature “Sanity Closet” conversations — full of hilarious rabbit trails, heartfelt vulnerability, unexpected wisdom, and the kind of joy that shows up in ordinary moments. From roadside sunflowers and sourdough bread to ducks at stoplights, baby snuggles, laundry monster stories, and conversations about anxiety, hormones, and hard seasons of life, the sisters explore what it means to practice delight — especially when life feels overwhelming. Inspired by previous podcast guests discussing “practicing delight” and “playful curiosity,” this conversation dives into how intentionally noticing beauty, wonder, humor, and gratitude can slowly bring healing to weary hearts. THE SANITY CLOSET ROLL CALL: * Marianne * Eileen * Theresa * Michelle * Jenny * Debbie 💬 KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Practicing Delight Is a Skill You Can Build Delight isn't something that just happens — it's something you actively practice. Like any habit, the more you look for small moments of joy (flowers on the roadside, a baby's tiny feet, a good meal), the more naturally it comes. * Intentionality Matters Delight doesn't find you; you have to choose it. Being mindful and deliberate about noticing good things — especially when life is hard — is what keeps joy alive. * You Are Not Alone in the Hard Stuff Whether it's job loss, perimenopause, anxiety, depression, or just the weight of everyday life — many women are going through it. Don't isolate. Find your people. * Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help Whether that's hormone therapy, therapy, supplements, or medication — getting the right support isn't weakness. It's like calling a plumber when you don't know how to fix the water heater. * Laughter Itself Is Delight The episode modeled its own message: an infectious laugh, a silly joke about apoplexy, talking to ducks — these are all delight in action. Don't underestimate the healing power of a good laugh with people you love. RESOURCES PODCASTS & CONVERSATIONS * Katherine Sigmon Wadsworth [https://player.captivate.fm/episode/16fa5a4a-48e2-486c-ab13-dc162e30d35f/] on practicing delight * Dr. Larissa Fedoryka-Kuplak [https://player.captivate.fm/episode/adc06f22-6418-4fa4-98e0-8c0f1d536a58/] on playful curiosity * The newly launched The [https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-sanity-closet-deborah-nDgaqI2rVRN/] https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-sanity-closet-deborah-nDgaqI2rVRN/Sanity Closet Podcast [https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-sanity-closet-deborah-nDgaqI2rVRN/] BOOKS MENTIONED * The Power of Vulnerability [https://amzn.to/4dyKmHU] by Brené Brown * The New Menopause [https://amzn.to/4tpqvzG] by Mary Claire Haver * The New Perimenopause [https://amzn.to/4nogD83] by Mary Claire Haver Some links in these show notes are affiliate links.This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you. STAY CONNECTED WITH LIVING FEARLESSLY 🎧 New episodes released bi-weekly. ➕ Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs encouragement. ✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at hello@livingfearlessly.us.

Awakened By Beauty - Music, Nature, & Wonder

🎙️ AWAKENED BY BEAUTY - MUSIC, NATURE, & WONDER A candid conversation with Dr. Larissa Fedoryka-Kuplak What if beauty isn’t just something we see—but something that changes us? In this deeply reflective and soul-stirring episode, Michelle sits down with concert cellist Dr. Larissa Kuplak to explore how beauty—especially through music and nature—has the power to awaken our hearts, heal what’s broken, and draw us closer to God. From the difference between analog and digital sound to the lost art of truly seeing, this conversation invites you to slow down, become childlike again, and rediscover the wonder that makes you feel fully alive. 🎻 A POWERFUL INVITATION When was the last time you: * Sat outside and truly noticed a tree? * Listened to music without multitasking? * Allowed yourself to be moved… without rushing on to the next thing? Beauty requires attention. And attention opens the door to transformation. 🌿 PRACTICAL WAYS TO BEGIN AGAIN: * Step outside and linger - notice details you’d normally miss * Listen to a piece of music (start with “The Swan”) without distractions * Ask your kids (or yourself): “What do you see?” * Create small moments of beauty in your home * Let go of perfection - and embrace playful curiosity 💬 KEY TAKEAWAYS: We don’t need more noise—we need more wonder. As Larissa shares, when we open ourselves to beauty, we allow it to: * soften our hearts * restore what’s been dulled * and draw us back to the One who created it all 💛 ABOUT LARISSA: Dr. Larissa Fedoryka-Kuplak is a concert cellist who began performing with her family ensemble at venues like the Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap. She holds a Doctorate in Cello Performance from UC Santa Barbara and has performed with orchestras, recorded as a session musician, and toured with artists including Marco Antonio Solis, Gloria Trevi, and Scythian. She now shares her passion for beauty and music through performances and her concert series Painting with Music. * Email: lfedoryka@gmail.com [lfedoryka@gmail.com] RESOURCES MENTIONED * Sadie Hoyt's classical music listening guides for families: sadiehoyt.com [sadiehoyt.com] * Bach Unaccompanied Cello Suites [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGnZHIY_hoQ&list=PLecKPCyj4yROEWW268aqNqgeo0tiehjZf] (as interpreted by Pablo Casals) * Saint-Saëns: The Swan [https://youtu.be/3qrKjywjo7Q?si=IySvzsYd9m8dQlDB] https://youtu.be/3qrKjywjo7Q?si=IySvzsYd9m8dQlDB(performed live by Larissa during the episode)

Fully Alive: Discovering Your God-Given Strengths

🎙️ FULLY ALIVE: DISCOVERING YOUR GOD-GIVEN STRENGTHS A heartfelt conversation with Katherine Sikma Wadsworth. In this powerful and life-giving episode of Living Fearlessly, Michelle sits down with leadership coach Katherine Sigma Wadsworth to unpack the truth about identity, strengths, and what it really means to be fully alive. Rooted in the truth that you are God’s masterpiece, this conversation explores how understanding your natural strengths can free you from comparison, silence the lies of “not enough,” and help you step boldly into who you were created to be. Because here’s the truth: You were never meant to be everything to everyone. You were created on purpose—with purpose. Together, Michelle and Katherine dive into the transformative tool of CliftonStrengths and how it reveals not just what you’re good at—but how you’re wired to thrive. They also explore how fear and anxiety show up in our lives—and how learning to understand ourselves (instead of fighting ourselves) can lead to deeper peace, healing, and freedom. 💬 KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Learn what the CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) assessment is and how it works * The difference between signature themes, supporting strengths, and non-patterns (hint: there are no weaknesses!) * The four domains of CliftonStrengths: Executing, Relationship Building, Strategic Thinking, and Influencing — and why we need all of them * Why you are not meant to be well-rounded — you're meant to be part of a well-rounded team * How knowing your strengths can free you from shame and comparison * Why self-knowledge is the foundation for living the life you were created for 💛 ABOUT KATHERINE: Katherine Sikma Wadsworth is an ICF-certified leadership coach, teacher, group facilitator, and the host of the You Gotta Try This! podcast. She loves to help women reignite the fire within them, helping them reclaim their power, purpose, and passion. * Facebook: Katherine Sikma [https://www.facebook.com/katherinesikma] * Instagram: @ksikma [https://www.instagram.com/ksikma/], @ksikmaphotography [https://www.instagram.com/ksikmaphotography/], @yougottatrythispodcast [https://www.instagram.com/yougottatrythispodcast/] * LinkedIn: Katherine Sikma Wadsworth [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-sikma-wadsworth-2a3433b/] * Website: reanimationconsulting.com [reanimationconsulting.com] RESOURCES MENTIONED * StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath * The Wisdom of Your Body by Hillary McBride * Inside Out (Pixar) — a great illustration of Internal Family Systems Some links in these show notes are affiliate links.This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you. STAY CONNECTED WITH LIVING FEARLESSLY 🎧 New episodes released weekly. ➕ Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs encouragement. ✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at hello@livingfearlessly.us [hello@livingfearlessly.us].