A Fresh Start: Aubrey’s Budget Coaching Case Study
Here is what one of my lovely coaching clients had to say about working together over the course of 4 sessions in a month, plus some email and phone triage as needed in between. I hope her insight is inspiring and helps you see that there is a way forward towards having more peace with money, even amidst transition and unknowns. I included some of the questions I asked in my feedback process, and her answers :)
———————————————————————————————————
Hey Margo! I can't begin to explain how thankful I am to have received this coaching. I have felt a huge shift in my life financially and for once I am making better decisions, aware of where my money is going, and feeling a sense of ease and confidence - all thanks to you!!!"
How would you describe your budget or money management strategy BEFORE working with me?
Before having the opportunity to work with Margo I would look at my bank account balance and make poor decisions not realizing where my money was going, how long it was in my account, and where it truly needed to go.
How would you describe your budget/money plan NOW?
After working with Margo I can see exactly where my money is going, I don't look at my bank account and instead I check my budget to see what exactly I have for that specific expense. I have confidence that all my bills will be paid on time.
I no longer feel stressed about the flow of my income. I am able to watch it flow in and give it a specific job so I know exactly where my money is going - even if it's to sit and build for savings. I feel a relief knowing my bank is connected and I can simply organize my expenses where they go and watch my budget flow magically.
What were 1-3 of the biggest takeaways or game changers from our time working together?
The biggest change for me has been that I’m saving money! I don’t need to pay extra to instantly move my business income around to cover my expenses since I’m aging my money, so everything is less urgent. I still have a long way to go on this journey personally but I can rest assured that additional calls with Margo's will help take me a step further in the right direction anytime I need guidance.
I have a plan to get a month ahead and build safety nets for important financial needs that may arise like car maintenance and/or medical bills.
The idea of getting one month ahead was HUGE. Growing up I always watched my hardworking single mother get behind so easily. I never understood until becoming an adult and seeing how easy it is to fall into the paycheck to paycheck cycle. Realizing things could be different was a great motivation and goal for me.
Not checking my bank account before making a purchase! I go to buy something and see the lump some of cash in my account (not considering any of the other million things my money needs to go towards) and think "yeah, I'm good to purchase this". Now that I am using YNAB I able to look at my budget, see everything that needs to be paid for, and know a specific amount I am able to spend, rather than assuming I have enough.
What was the most challenging aspect of creating and implementing a budget? How might it have been made less challenging?
I think the hardest part was a slight learning curve (may have just been me or that my starting balance was incorrect). Everything was red and I had no clue how to fix it which was extremely overwhelming. Margo swooped in, explained what went wrong, and after that it was smooth sailing!
Would you recommend that others work with me as a YNAB budget coach?
I would HIGHLY recommend using Margo as your budgeting coach. Not only did she help change my financial situation for the better but she changed my mindset and gave amazing financial advice that even impressed my grandparents! She truly cares and wants you to be in a better place that helps you succeed in ways you never thought you could.
Who do you think would most benefit from this type of coaching?
EVERYONE - seriously!!! I think other birth workers like me for sure. People like my mother who live paycheck to paycheck. Anyone who has debt they are wanting to pay off, or who is wanting to plan for a big investment and doesn't know where to begin.