Gifts of Grace: Reclaiming Simplicity During the Holidays
Beyond Budgets Podcast
The holidays are here, and with them come emotions ranging from joy to overwhelm. In this heart-centered episode, host Deb Meyer shares a timely message to help parents slow down, align spending with values, and create lasting peace during the Christmas season. She opens with a beautiful rendition of the Shaker hymn “’Tis the Gift to Be Simple” and explores how the simplicity it speaks of can serve as a financial and spiritual guidepost through the noise of Black Friday, gift-giving pressure, and packed family schedules. In this episode, you’ll learn: (10:36) A values-based...
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The Parent’s Guide to Rewriting Money Scripts
Beyond Budgets Podcast
How do you move from financial survival mode to long-term stability when you're raising kids and navigating constant demands? In this episode of Beyond Budgets, Deb Meyer is joined by financial educator Chelsea Williams to explore how our earliest experiences shape our lifelong relationship with money and what parents can do about it. You’ll learn why financial change is 80% mindset and only 20% technical, and how understanding your money story can unlock new possibilities for your family’s future. Chelsea shares a practical framework that helps families create healthy financial...
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Money, Mistakes, and Milestones: 50 Lessons from Deb Meyer
Beyond Budgets Podcast
🎉 It’s a celebration! In this milestone 50th episode of the Beyond Budgets® podcast, Deb Meyer takes a seat on the other side of the mic while her husband, Bryan Meyer, steps in as guest host. This heartfelt and insightful episode explores how Beyond Budgets® came to be, what Deb has learned along the way, and what’s ahead for the podcast and the families it serves. From her earliest days running and writing to launching this podcast, Deb shares her motivation to help parents build wealth aligned with faith, family, and personal values. 💡 You’ll hear ...
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Family, Fraud, and Financial Literacy: Life Lessons from Tim Smith
Beyond Budgets Podcast
What if your kids graduated from college knowing how to budget, invest, and avoid getting scammed? In this heartfelt and wide-ranging episode, Deb Meyer sits down with Tim Smith, Certified Financial PlannerTM, founder of , and co-host of podcast. They explore the critical (and often missing) elements of financial education for young adults, especially creatives and entrepreneurs navigating money on their own. But the conversation doesn’t stop there. Tim opens up about a massive fraud case he witnessed firsthand — involving $15 million stolen under his watch — and how that...
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New Tax Breaks for Parents: What the One Big Beautiful Act Means for Your Family
Beyond Budgets Podcast
Are rising prices stressing your family budget? You're not alone, and there's some good news on the tax front. In this solo episode, host Deb Meyer breaks down the most family-friendly tax updates from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR1) and how they could impact your wallet starting in 2025. This episode is a must-listen for parents looking to maximize tax savings, understand new credits, and unlock new opportunities for education savings, childcare, and even family car purchases. Deb spotlights five major tax updates that could create real opportunities for families: ...
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Big Hat, No Cattle: Rethinking Wealth with Carl Richards
Beyond Budgets Podcast
What if the best money conversations aren’t really about money? In this episode of Beyond Budgets, Deb Meyer sits down with Carl Richards, author of Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in Simple Sketches, to explore how we can think more clearly and speak more kindly about money in our relationships. Carl shares why our views of money often clash with those closest to us, how comparison gets in the way of contentment, and what it means to align our values with financial decisions. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to bring more clarity and calm into their financial life,...
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Why Big Leaps Can Backfire (and What to Do Instead)
Beyond Budgets Podcast
What do whitewater rafting, cross-country moves, and early retirement all have in common? They’re thrilling, intimidating, and full of unknowns. In this episode, Deb Meyer shares a personal (and slightly embarrassing) rafting story to open up a deeper conversation about navigating life’s biggest transitions—without losing your footing. Whether you’re planning a retirement, taking a sabbatical, switching careers, or moving states, Deb encourages a slower, smarter approach. She walks through emotional and financial readiness, real-life family examples, and why rushing into change...
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Is It Moral to Be Wealthy?
Beyond Budgets Podcast
Is financial prosperity a blessing or a spiritual trap? In this thought-provoking episode, Deb Meyer sits down with Deacon Christopher Warner to explore the moral and spiritual dimensions of wealth, giving, work, and responsibility. Whether you're Catholic, Christian, or simply curious about aligning money with your faith, this conversation offers deep insights into the tension between financial abundance and spiritual purpose. Discover how principles like subsidiarity, stewardship, and virtue can shape your family’s financial life. Also, learn why budgeting and charitable giving are...
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Wellness as Wealth: Functional Medicine, Family Nutrition & Travel with Rita Johnson
Beyond Budgets Podcast
In this empowering episode, Deb Meyer talks with holistic health advocate Rita Johnson about how physical wellness impacts financial strength. They dive into functional medicine, family nutrition on a budget, simple food swaps, and how Rita’s family of eight travels internationally without breaking the bank. Episode Highlights (04:38) Functional medicine basics – How to bridge the gap between feeling “off” and needing a diagnosis. (06:45) Nutrition hacks – Prioritize protein, reduce hidden sugars, and try DIY staples. (12:10) Feeding picky eaters – Mix of...
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Rethinking Success and Exit Strategy with Justin Goodbread
Beyond Budgets Podcast
What does it look like to steward your business and family with intentionality, especially when it's time to plan an exit? Entrepreneur and author Justin Goodbread joins host Deb Meyer to talk candidly about sacrifice, scaling, and what too many business owners get wrong when it's time to let go. Whether you’re years away from selling or just starting to think about legacy, this conversation blends practical wisdom and deep faith in a way that resonates with purpose-driven parents and entrepreneurs alike. Exit planning isn’t just about spreadsheets; it’s about soul work. Whether...
info_outlinePlanning for college can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Beyond Budgets, host Deb Meyer sits down with Ann Garcia, CFP®, also known as "The College Financial Lady." Ann is the author of How to Pay for College and a mom of twins who recently graduated debt-free. She combines her professional expertise with personal experience to share strategies that will help you save money and reduce stress during the college planning process.
Whether your child is years away from applying or you’re in the thick of FAFSA forms and scholarship deadlines, this episode will leave you feeling more confident and equipped to navigate the journey.
Why You Should Listen
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Decode the "real cost" of college: Find out why the sticker price rarely tells the whole story.
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Uncover scholarships that match your student: Learn how to focus on opportunities that fit their profile.
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Master financial aid tools: Get a crash course on FAFSA, the CSS Profile, and net price calculators.
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Appeal like a pro: Discover how to successfully request more financial aid and reduce tuition costs.
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Learn from real-life examples: Hear Ann’s lessons from planning for her own twins—and how those lessons can help your family.
If you're ready to feel more in control of funding your child’s college education, this episode is a must-listen.
Key Moments to Tune In For
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[06:20] The truth about tuition: Why most families pay far less than the listed price.
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[10:23] SAT/ACT scores: Do they still matter for scholarships?
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[24:55] How to appeal a financial aid package—and why 75% of appeals succeed.
Resources
Connect with Ann Garcia
College Financial Plan Masterclass
Website and Blog howtopayforcollege.com
Connect with Deb Meyer