Category Archives: Budgeting

You Can’t Move Forward until You Do This

Posted on January 5, 2020 by Amy Jo Lauber

Sing it with me, you can pick from the Disney movie Frozen, “Let it Go” or The Beatles’ freeing tune, “Let it Be.” You see, as a financial planner and confidant, I’ve met so many people who very much want … Continue reading →

Posted in Budgeting, Goals, Living the life of your dreams, Personal Finance with a twist, Psychology of Money, Saving, Tackling debt | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Hate Budgeting? Steps 9-12 Solidify A New, Joyful Path

Posted on September 3, 2019 by Amy Jo Lauber

The I HATE Budgeting (But I Like Having Money) wrapped up the 12-Step program, learning the final 4 steps to changing their relationship with money from (even mildly) dysfunctional to hopeful, intentional and – dare I say – joyful. While … Continue reading →

Posted in Budgeting, Faith & Finances, Living the life of your dreams, Personal Finance with a twist, Psychology of Money, Tackling debt | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The 5th & 8th Steps to Confident Budgeting: Admit Wrongs, Make Amends

Posted on May 2, 2019 by Amy Jo Lauber

The I HATE Budgeting (But I Like Having Money) support group has been focusing on the renowned 12-step program used for other dysfunctions. This post covers step 5 (admit wrongs) and step 8 (make amends) because I think the two … Continue reading →

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Hate Budgeting? Take Step 4: A Personal Inventory

Posted on December 26, 2018 by Amy Jo Lauber

Step 4 of the 12 step program prompts us to take “a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.” Many years ago, a boss gave me a “SWOT” (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) style performance review. It was the first time … Continue reading →

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Hate Budgeting? Take Step 2: Acknowledge a Higher Power & Ask for Help

Posted on October 18, 2018 by Amy Jo Lauber

Over this past summer I decided that the I HATE Budgeting (But I Like Having Money) support group would use the 12 steps used by other support groups. The 12 steps were designed for those struggling with addiction. In applying … Continue reading →

Posted in Budgeting, Faith & Finances, Goals, Money & Spirituality, Personal Finance with a twist, Psychology of Money, Saving, Tackling debt | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Creating & Maintaining Healthy Financial Boundaries

Posted on February 22, 2018 by Amy Jo Lauber

“You have to try tough love.” “Don’t be an enabler.” “I’m scared he won’t survive without my help.” “We’re all doing the best we can.” “We can’t afford that!“ “The heart has its reasons which reason knows nothing of.” ~ … Continue reading →

Posted in Budgeting, Goals, Money in relationships, Personal Finance with a twist, Psychology of Money | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Plugging the Leaks in Your Financial Boat

Posted on October 12, 2017 by Amy Jo Lauber

Some years ago I heard Dr. Wayne Dyer talk about the children’s song, “Row, row, row your boat.” He went on to explain that the song provides a succinct and sweet guide to life: “Row, row, row (don’t try to … Continue reading →

Posted in Budgeting, Goals, Living the life of your dreams, Personal Finance with a twist, Psychology of Money, Saving, Tackling debt | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Don’t Trip Over The Thin Line Between Thrift and Greed

Posted on August 30, 2017 by Amy Jo Lauber

My Mom had beautiful, long nails that she frequently painted a deep red but I don’t think she ever had a a proper manicure at a salon; that would be too much of a luxury. Every year, on the day … Continue reading →

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Budgeting For Self-Care / Budgeting As Self-Care

Posted on April 17, 2017 by Amy Jo Lauber

“Stop asking your life and your body to do things for you and begin to do some things for your life and body.” ~David Drost, Evolation Yoga“Buffalo Magazine” February 5, 2017 This is the perfect beginning of a post about … Continue reading →

Posted in Budgeting, Living the life of your dreams, Personal Finance with a twist | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

The Joy of Giving (& Not Going Broke)

Posted on November 15, 2016 by Amy Jo Lauber

How can you be generous if you’re secretly worried about paying your bills? How can you really enjoy the holidays when you’re emotionally overwhelmed and feeling undone? Our own joyful budgeter Mari McNeil presented this very challenging subject and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Budgeting, Living the life of your dreams, Money in relationships, Personal Finance with a twist, Psychology of Money, Tackling debt | Tagged , | 2 Comments