Beyond Budgets Podcast

What Happens When Your "Perfect Plan" Falls Apart?

In this deeply personal and vulnerable episode, Deb shares a major announcement: Beyond Budgets® is going on pause. After two and a half years of hosting this podcast, she steps back to focus on an unexpected and challenging health journey. But this isn't just a goodbye; it's a powerful reflection on what happens when even the best-laid plans fall apart. Episode Highlights * (00:00) Podcast Put on Pause * (00:35) Life Plans vs. Reality * (06:4)] Faith, Suffering, and Hope * (20:10) Hold Goals Loosely * (31:30) Recenter on Family, Faith, and Values 💡 What This Episode Covers 1. A Pause, Not a Full Stop Deb explains her decision to step away from the podcast (for now) while navigating ongoing medical uncertainty. She reflects on the impact the show has had and where listeners might still find her voice in the future. 2. When Planning Meets Reality A lifelong planner, Deb wrestles with the uncomfortable truth: even the most disciplined plans cannot prevent life's curveballs. This episode reframes planning as something flexible, not rigid. 3. Living in Uncertainty With no clear diagnosis yet, Deb shares what it's like to live in the "in-between"—where answers are delayed, and fear can creep in. 4. Five Lessons for Navigating Life's Unexpected Turns * Give Yourself Permission to Grieve * Cling to Hope (Even When It's Hard) * Hold Plans Loosely * Break Out of Routine * Refocus on What Matters Most 5. Financial Life Planning Deb shares real client examples showing how financial plans must evolve with life changes, especially during health crises or major transitions. ❤️ Key Takeaways * Life won't always follow your plan, and that's not failure. * Financial plans should be living, breathing guides rather than rigid scripts. * Uncertainty can be a powerful teacher of priorities. 📌 Resources & Next Steps * Revisit past episodes, especially: * Episode 2: Shaping Your Family's Future with Core Values [https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/shaping-your-familys-financial-future-with-core-values/id1716065033?i=1000634942701] * Episode 18: Turning Dreams into Reality with Values-Based Financial Planning [https://www.worthynest.com/bb-podcast/episode-18-dreams-to-reality-values-based-financial-planning] * Follow the podcast so you're notified if and when it returns * Watch for potential future content on the Catholic Money Mastermind [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-money-mastermind-financial-planning-conversations/id1547457388] podcast Connect with Host Deb Meyer, CFP® Founder of WorthyNest®, helping Catholic parents build financial plans that reflect their values. Download your FREE guide [https://www.worthynest.com/wn-starter-guide] | Follow us on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@worthynest445] | Take the Financial Wellness Quiz [https://measure.datapoints.com/survey/e/1cyw6VlbsMUKVKfhbDxs]

How to Teach Kids About Money (Without Power Struggles) with David Delisle

What if raising financially responsible kids isn't about teaching them to save more but rather helping them understand what actually matters? In this episode, Catholic financial planner and host Deb Meyer sits down with David Delisle [https://www.theawesomestuff.com/david-delisle/], creator of The Awesome Stuff™, to explore how our relationship with money is shaped early. Learn how parents can guide their kids toward more intentional choices without constant conflict. David shares a simple yet transformational question that can shift how your family approaches money: 👉 "Is this my awesome stuff?" This conversation blends mindset and practical parenting strategies to help you raise kids who spend, save, and give with purpose. Episode Highlights * (01:46) Why "more money" doesn't solve the real problem * (05:00) The issue with labeling kids as savers or spenders * (08:40) Teaching money through everyday moments * ( 10:20) A simple question that changes everything * (16:30) Letting natural consequences do the teaching Q&A: Parenting and Money Made Practical 1. When should I start teaching my kids about money? As soon as they start asking you to buy them something. At that point, they're ready to begin learning about choices and trade-offs. This is the case even if they don't understand dollar amounts yet. 2. How do I teach money without overwhelming my kids? Keep it simple and conversational. Use relatable comparisons (like toys or treats) and focus on helping them make smart choices instead of memorizing numbers. 3. What's the best way to handle it when kids constantly ask for things? Instead of saying yes or no, ask: "Is that your awesome stuff?" This shifts the decision back to your child and reduces power struggles. 4. How do I balance letting kids choose while still teaching responsibility? Set spending boundaries, but allow freedom within those limits. Let natural consequences teach lessons when possible. 5. What if my kids have very different money habits? That's normal. Avoid labeling a child naturally inclined to spend as "better" than one who typically saves money (and vice versa). Focus on helping each child understand what truly matters to him or her. Connect with guest David Delisle, Creator of The Awesome Stuff™ Website [https://www.theawesomestuff.com/] | Financial Literacy Resources [https://www.theawesomestuff.com/#kits] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theawesomestuff] Connect with Host Deb Meyer, CFP® Founder of WorthyNest®, helping Catholic parents build financial plans that reflect their values. Download your FREE guide [https://www.worthynest.com/wn-starter-guide] | Follow us on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@worthynest445] | Take the Financial Wellness Quiz [https://measure.datapoints.com/survey/e/1cyw6VlbsMUKVKfhbDxs]

How Much Inheritance is Too Much?

What's the right way to pass wealth to the next generation? How much inheritance is too much? We explore the deeper questions behind inheritance planning in this Beyond Budgets® episode … questions about stewardship, generosity, and financial responsibility. You'll learn how to balance financial legacy with personal growth and create an inheritance plan that aligns with your family's values. Net worth is only one part of the equation, and money amplifies character (or lack thereof). Inheritance can lead to overspending, entitlement, and a lack of direction without proper guidance. Smart estate planning includes trustees who guide beneficiaries and flexibility for real-life needs. Listen to this episode if you're a parent who wants to define your family's version of "enough" and the related episode 12 [https://www.worthynest.com/bb-podcast/episode-12-mastering-estate-planning], Mastering Estate Planning. Episode Highlights * [0:00:00] – The dangers of comparison, greed, and lifestyle inflation * [0:04:46] – How to determine "how much is enough" vs. "too much" inheritance * [0:17:26] – How to use Roth IRA matching to build good money habits in children * [0:20:00] – How donor-advised funds can create a family culture of giving * [0:27:56] – Pros and cons of liquid vs. illiquid assets like real estate and family businesses Q&A 1. What is considered too much inheritance? There is no fixed dollar amount that defines "too much" inheritance. It becomes excessive when it reduces a beneficiary's motivation or ability to develop financial independence. The focus should be on preparing heirs, not just funding them. 2. How can parents prevent inheritance from creating entitlement? Parents can prevent entitlement by: * Teaching financial literacy early * Encouraging saving and investing habits * Modeling generosity and stewardship 3. Are liquid assets or real estate better for inheritance? Both have value. Liquid assets provide flexibility and immediate access, while real estate and business assets can build long-term wealth. A balanced mix is typically the best strategy. 4. Should parents prioritize giving or leaving an inheritance? Both can coexist. Generosity during life can teach values, while a thoughtfully structured inheritance can support future generations without creating dependency.

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty with Deborah Johns of Unbound

In this special Podcasthon 2026 episode, host and Catholic financial planner Deb Meyer sits down with Deborah Johns, Chief Growth Officer of Unbound, to explore a radically different approach to poverty relief. It's one that puts decision-making directly into the hands of families. From direct cash transfers to child and elder sponsorship, you'll hear how small, consistent support can transform not just one life but entire communities. 🔍 Why This Episode Matters for Parents As parents managing your household budget, this conversation reframes giving: * It's not about how much you give * Intentional, consistent impact matters more * Model generosity and global awareness for your kids Consider this a way to build your "family impact plan" alongside your financial plan. Episode Highlights * (01:14) What makes Unbound's self-directed model different from traditional charities * (05:27) How direct cash transfers empower families to solve their most urgent needs * (09:11) Why supporting mothers creates ripple effects for years to come * (11:43)The often-overlooked need for elder sponsorship and social connection * (16:05)How education, especially for girls, breaks generational poverty cycles 🌍 What Is Unbound? Unbound is an international nonprofit working in 16 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Each year, they provide over $100 million in direct support to children, elders, and families living in poverty. Their mission is simple but powerful: 👉 Put choice, dignity, and decision-making back into the hands of those experiencing poverty. Unbound stands out for stewardship: * 90%+ of funds go directly to programs * Top ratings from charity evaluators like Charity Navigator * Full transparency with publicly available financials Visit: unbound.org [http://unbound.org] to sponsor a child or elder

Grief, Faith, and Money: Healthy Healing for Parents

Grief can reshape your parenting, relationships, and decision-making. In Episode 59 of the Beyond Budgets® podcast, host and Catholic financial planner Deb Meyer talks with hospice nurse and Catholic grief coach [https://catholicgriefcoach.com/] Nichole Haugen about what healthy grieving looks like for parents, how surrender can support healing, and why it's wise to pause major financial decisions during seasons of profound loss. This episode is for parents navigating any kind of grief: the death of a loved one, sudden loss, divorce, addiction in the family, or the grief that comes from life not turning out the way you expected. You'll learn: * (03:49) What "healthy grieving" looks like (and what it can look like when you're stuck) * (07:14) A simple first step when you know you're not coping well * (16:54) How to parent through grief while still caring for your nervous system * (27:38) Why big financial moves can backfire during intense grief * (29:07) How faith, surrender, and trust can help you release what you can't control This conversation offers both practical grounding and genuine hope if you're trying to keep life moving for your kids while you're hurting inside. ✨ Don't forget to leave a rating or review if this episode helped you! And please note our schedule change for March 2026: only one episode will be published on Thursday, 3/19/26, for Podcasthon. The following solo episode will air on Thursday, 4/2/26. Connect with Host Deb Meyer, CFP® Founder of WorthyNest®, helping faith-driven parents build financial plans that reflect their values. Download your FREE guide [https://worthynest.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b5de2e4d3acc295d396e2d079&id=d3878f6a7c] | Follow us on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@worthynest445] | Take the Financial Wellness Quiz [https://measure.datapoints.com/survey/e/1cyw6VlbsMUKVKfhbDxs]