“Ask me anything,” I said. And yes, I really meant it! Last week I emailed my wonderful readers and asked, “If you could ask me anything about budgeting or saving money, what would it be?” You all sent in so many great questions—some about general budgeting, some about saving tips, and some about me personally. I’m replying to each person individually, but I thought it would be fun to share my answers about myself here on the blog too. I’ll save the budgeting and saving questions for another post so we can dive into those properly.
Do you go out to eat (and what about when you were paying off debt)?
When I was tackling my first $45,000 in debt, I didn’t go out to eat at all. I thought I had to be strict to make progress—and I did pay off a lot—but I was miserable, 100%. Life just flew by, and I felt like I wasn’t living at all. Eventually, I realized I hated that approach, so I stopped. Even though I still had a bit of debt left, I dug my heels in and said, no more depriving myself completely.
When I finally decided to pay off the rest, I tried something different: I allowed myself small joys along the way. Coffee dates, diner lunches, and a “blow money” fund no matter what. I’ve always been drawn to diners—they’re cozy, simple, and nostalgic, with a slower pace that feels like life before everything was rushed. There’s something comforting about a hamburger and fries or tater tots, a home-cooked feeling that takes you back.
What made you get started in budgeting?
Honestly, getting started with budgeting wasn’t about wanting to get organized—it was about survival. After an auto accident, I couldn’t work for stretches of time, and the medical bills, physical therapy, and medications kept piling up. I put expenses on credit cards, took out loans, and even borrowed from family. It took five long years to fully recover, and through it all, I realized I needed a plan for my money. Budgeting became more than numbers on a page—it became a lifeline, a way to lean on God and take small steps toward hope and stability.
What made you get started in budgeting?
Honestly, getting started with budgeting wasn’t about wanting to get organized—it was about survival. After an auto accident, I couldn’t work for stretches of time, and the medical bills, physical therapy, and medications kept piling up. I put expenses on credit cards, took out loans, and even borrowed from family. It took five long years to fully recover, and through it all, I realized I needed a plan for my money. Budgeting became more than numbers on a page—it became a lifeline, a way to lean on God and take small steps toward hope and stability.
“Do you buy generic or no-name items?“
Absolutely! I buy a lot of generic or no-name items—things like pasta, flour, sugar, oatmeal, chocolate chips, raisins, dried fruit, and lots of products from the bulk section. Even my spices are mostly generic, and refilling a jar usually costs between $0.16 and $1.00. Choosing no-name items saves a ton of money, and honestly, most of the time you can’t even tell the difference. Those small savings add up faster than you’d think
“What’s one thing you’re willing to splurge on?”
I love good-quality shoes. I’m not paying full price, but I do make it a point to invest in shoes that will last. I’ll buy off-season—like picking up winter boots in the summer—or hit the Rack to find deals. My last pair of high-quality shoes was originally $500, but I got them for $80, and I’ve worn them constantly for years. It’s worth it to me to spend a little more for something that lasts, as long as I’m smart about finding a good deal.
“What got you into creating planners and templates?”
I honestly can’t remember a time when I wasn’t making things. My mom wasn’t a crafter or maker, but somehow I was drawn to it from a young age. In high school, I got interested in sewing, canning, and all kinds of crafts. I even took ceramics classes with my aunt for years before I went to college in my early 20s. Really, the truth is I was just drawn to creating—it became my happy place.
There was a stretch when I stopped making things while running my marketing business because life was so hectic. But after my auto accident forced me to slow down, I picked crafting back up—and that’s when I started designing templates. From there, it naturally expanded into planners and digital wall decor, because I could work on my computer in a way that didn’t strain my neck, instead of bending over a craft project. Creating became a way to blend my love for making with something practical—and it’s been a joy ever since.
“Do you travel while paying off debt?”
I love traveling to see my family, who live a plane ride away, and I have a sinking fund just for it so I can enjoy the trips without worrying about money. I actually love flying—the airports, the planes, and the whole experience. Travel is something I plan for and look forward to, and having a dedicated fund makes it all feel easier, more fun, and totally stress-free.
“What’s one money mistake you made that taught you the most?“
The biggest mistake I didn’t fully realize until later was not believing God could truly bless me and expand my finances. I had heard about the Prayer of Jabez and Bruce Wilkinson’s teaching—that when we pray in faith, asking God to enlarge our territory, He can increase what we have for His purposes—but I never really believed it could apply to me. I limited myself with fear and doubt, thinking I had to do everything on my own. Looking back, I see that trusting God and stepping out in faith could have changed how I approached money much earlier. Now, I pray boldly for God’s provision, believing He can guide my finances in ways I never imagined—and it’s been life-changing.
