The holidays are upon us and they are filled with good and right celebration! But it can be really difficult to honor our finances during a time of so much GOOD or if we are honoring our finances...not to do so without creating a scarcity mindset.

To set us on the right path is Amanda Texiera! She is the co-founders and co-owner of Wallet Win with her husband. Their mission is to help Catholics find financial freedom by eliminating debt, building savings, and changing the world through generosity. They are also the creators and hosts of their very own Podcast, the Catholic Money Show!

Amanda Texiera welcome!

The truth with our money is that we're often just budgeting to avoid loss rather than work toward or enjoy a gain. This small, but simple shift can make ALL the difference in how our budgets play out and how we behave with them.

Budgets aren't just a tool to cut back, but a tool for intentional spending based on what is most important to you...aka your priorities and your goals.

We need to start with the right mindset...that your budget is here to work FOR you...not take-away FROM you. One of the best ways to do this is to get clarity on what your budget is allowing you to do and to make plans for what you want it to do.

We say it all the time, life happens and I think anyone would agree that there's been A LOT OF LIFE happening the past few years. Between the entire world shutting down for a bit...prices running wild....unexpected layoffs....and just the normal life transitions that we're all expected to navigate...it's been a bit hard even for seasoned budgeters to keep everything in the green.

So knowing that mucking up your budget is really a part of life…how do you get back on track when you do?

This list is not to bring shame, or guilt you about falling off the bandwagon … it's really about being real about where you are, deciding to do something different, and moving forward with small deliberate ACTION.

Shame and guilt don't deserve a ticket on this train.

Some of our greatest adulting lessons come from managing money for our families and homes.

It isn't everything, but it does serve us in many ways and CAN if we’re responsible and intentional with it. Our finances should be a reflection of the life and family we’re cultivating in our home.

And the hard truth is...for too many of us that's not the case.

You have been talking...and we have been listening...so here it is...17 reasons your budget isn't working for you...because who wants a list of 5 or 10 when you can have 17?!

Some of our greatest adulting lessons come from managing money for our families and homes.

It isn't everything, but it does serve us in many ways and CAN if we’re responsible and intentional with it. Our finances should be a reflection of the life and family we’re cultivating in our home.

And the hard truth is...for too many of us that's not the case.

If your current financial state makes you feel shame, fills you with regret, or leaves you feeling down-right depressed after you look at it...

You need to take responsibility and own where you are. Acknowledging that the decisions you made up until now, led you here.

HOWEVER, shame, regret, and depression will not get you where you need to go.

So you need to LET. THOSE. THINGS. GO.