1. Live The Life CentsAble Chat 6:22

Live The Life! The life you want…on your terms What does your perfect life look like? A big house? Fancy cars? Investing? Philanthropy? More time with family and friends? Goals vary from person to person, but if there’s no focus on what you really want, how can you possibly know what you need? Budgeting plays a major role in your planning because it helps you pay for your daily life, while preparing for your future life.

Look Into The FutureBudgets show where your money goes A budget breaks down your money and helps you plan for its use. Unless you’re born into wealth, it’s hard to live the life you want without a budget, because money flies out the window, making it hard to get a handle on spending and saving habits.  

Be PassionateTurn your passion to money There are a gazillion people who work at jobs they can’t stand but have a hobby that lights them up and brings them happiness and fulfillment. How great would it be to make a living doing what you truly love? Budgeting lays out how you might get there by giving you an aerial view of your finances. How much you need to get started and make, how much to purchase equipment and operate. Perhaps a side hustle is necessary, or a strategic investment. The only way to live the life of your dreams is to plan for it.

Change Is GoodBad habits require changeBad spending and saving habits work against a desire to live the life many want and getting older doesn’t help because that usually means more financial responsibilities. But change is possible! It may mean sacrifice by taking on a side job, cutting back on going out and knocking out debt. The good news is that these changes lead to your ideal life.

Ah, To Be Young Don’t waste an opportunityTeens and young adults are favored with time and should take advantage of it. While mom and dad are footing the bill, you can explore your interests, find out what you’re good at, or find mentors and create a network of people that you can benefit, who can benefit you in turn. Once you’ve got a clear vision of the life you want and what you need to get there, think about what you can do, today. Take classes, find volunteer work in your area of interest. Get a job and start saving. Become an entrepreneur! Today, you’re in complete control of how you spend your money.

Debt – The Great Destroyer Avoid debt at all costsIf you’re looking to strip away opportunity, just get into debt. Life never goes completely as planned, that’s why it’s a good idea to have an emergency fund – it’s a necessity. Without it, you’re destined for debt and debt destroys choice. If you want control of your life, to live completely on your terms, avoid debt at all costs. It is possible to live debt free. What’s the secret? Shift from the “buy now, pay later” mindset to “save now, pay later” and always live within your means.

Bobbi Olson Budget Coach & Host of the CentsAble Chat Podcast

After years of producing a financial radio show focused on managing million dollar portfolios, I realized that the strategies, concepts and ideas would work for any budget, and learned the basics of managing money.

It was easier than I ever thought it could be, and I’m now debt–free! I’m excited to share what I’ve learned and hear your stories, as we all strive to lead CentsAble lives!​