What Happens When Your “Perfect Plan” Falls Apart?
Beyond Budgets Podcast
In this deeply personal and vulnerable episode, Deb shares a major announcement: Beyond Budgets® is going on pause. After two and a half years of hosting this podcast, she steps back to focus on an unexpected and challenging health journey. But this isn’t just a goodbye; it’s a powerful reflection on what happens when even the best-laid plans fall apart. Episode Highlights (00:00) Podcast Put on Pause (00:35) Life Plans vs. Reality (06:4)] Faith, Suffering, and Hope (20:10) Hold Goals Loosely (31:30) Recenter on Family, Faith, and Values 💡 What This Episode Covers 1. A...
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How to Teach Kids About Money (Without Power Struggles) with David Delisle
Beyond Budgets Podcast
What if raising financially responsible kids isn’t about teaching them to save more but rather helping them understand what actually matters? In this episode, Catholic financial planner and host Deb Meyer sits down with , creator of The Awesome Stuff™, to explore how our relationship with money is shaped early. Learn how parents can guide their kids toward more intentional choices without constant conflict. David shares a simple yet transformational question that can shift how your family approaches money: 👉 “Is this my awesome stuff?” This conversation blends mindset and practical...
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How Much Inheritance is Too Much?
Beyond Budgets Podcast
What’s the right way to pass wealth to the next generation? How much inheritance is too much? We explore the deeper questions behind inheritance planning in this Beyond Budgets® episode … questions about stewardship, generosity, and financial responsibility. You’ll learn how to balance financial legacy with personal growth and create an inheritance plan that aligns with your family’s values. Net worth is only one part of the equation, and money amplifies character (or lack thereof). Inheritance can lead to overspending, entitlement, and a lack of direction without...
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Breaking the Cycle of Poverty with Deborah Johns of Unbound
Beyond Budgets Podcast
In this special Podcasthon 2026 episode, host and Catholic financial planner Deb Meyer sits down with Deborah Johns, Chief Growth Officer of Unbound, to explore a radically different approach to poverty relief. It’s one that puts decision-making directly into the hands of families. From direct cash transfers to child and elder sponsorship, you’ll hear how small, consistent support can transform not just one life but entire communities. 🔍 Why This Episode Matters for Parents As parents managing your household budget, this conversation reframes giving: It’s not about how...
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Grief, Faith, and Money: Healthy Healing for Parents
Beyond Budgets Podcast
Grief can reshape your parenting, relationships, and decision-making. In Episode 59 of the Beyond Budgets® podcast, host and Catholic financial planner Deb Meyer talks with hospice nurse and Nichole Haugen about what healthy grieving looks like for parents, how surrender can support healing, and why it’s wise to pause major financial decisions during seasons of profound loss. This episode is for parents navigating any kind of grief: the death of a loved one, sudden loss, divorce, addiction in the family, or the grief that comes from life not turning out the way you expected. ...
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Tame the Tax Chaos: Get Organized & Confident for Tax Season
Beyond Budgets Podcast
Tax season doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially when you’re armed with expert tips and a solid system. In episode 58 of the Beyond Budgets® Podcast, host Deb Meyer breaks down what parents need to know about getting organized for tax season. From estimated taxes to state-specific credits, this episode is packed with practical strategies to reduce your stress and increase your confidence before the April 15th deadline. You'll walk away with actionable steps to get your paperwork in order and avoid costly mistakes … whether you're a W-2 earner, small business owner, or...
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Reinvention, Personal Branding & AI with Mike Kim
Beyond Budgets Podcast
Bestselling author and branding strategist Mike Kim joins Deb Meyer to share how personal branding isn’t just for entrepreneurs. Mike offers real-life tools to help you show up with more clarity & confidence, whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or building something of your own. Mike also opens up about a recent season of reinvention, sparked by personal loss. He shares how to navigate big transitions, what it means to do work of material consequence, and why slowing down might be your next best move. Plus, they dive into the evolving role of AI: how it’s...
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College Admissions Secrets: What Parents Need to Know Before Junior Year
Beyond Budgets Podcast
In this candid episode of Beyond Budgets®, host Deb Meyer shares her perspective as both a financial planner and a mom of a high school junior navigating the complex world of college prep. You'll hear: [0:00:03] Behind-the-scenes insights from Florida college tours (University of Florida, Florida State University, and UCF) [0:04:50] Key admissions guidance from a local high school teacher, including the real impact of essays and extracurriculars [0:07:15] Early Action vs. Early Decision – what they mean and why deadlines matter [0:08:30] Ivy League book...
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How Dual Enrollment Saved This Family $60K in College Costs
Beyond Budgets Podcast
“My daughters went to prom, played sports, were in student council, and still finished college before high school ended.” – Shelley Branine Wondering how your family can save tens of thousands of dollars? Then you don’t want to miss this special episode with Shelley Branine, mom of two and author of the upcoming book Finish College in High School. Shelley shares her family’s incredible journey using dual enrollment to help both her daughters graduate college debt-free. Listen in if you have a middle school or high school student and are feeling overwhelmed by rising...
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Small Habits, Big Wins: How Parents Can Set Goals That Actually Stick
Beyond Budgets Podcast
“Small, incremental steps will always get you further than a giant leap, especially when they’re rooted in your values.” – Deb Meyer As we turn the page into a new year, goal setting becomes more than just a buzzword. It’s a tool for transformation. In Episode 54, host Deb Meyer dives deep into how parents can set intentional goals that actually stick. Learn why small, sustainable habits beat massive overhauls, how to identify and overcome limiting beliefs, and how to create SMART goals that align with your family's core values. Whether you're aiming to save more, invest...
info_outlineWhat 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 often backfires.
As Deb says, “Small steps can be so much better than big leaps. And having the right guide can make all the difference.”
Listen now and learn how to embrace change without financial regret.
In This Episode
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(02:39) Why emotional planning is just as important as financial planning
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(06:04) How to phase into retirement without going all-in too fast
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(07:02) Lessons from relocating across states & what Deb would do differently
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(12:47) How to rethink your budget when your lifestyle changes
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(14:51) What to know about health insurance, especially before Medicare eligibility
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(20:19) Options for sabbaticals and career pauses, and how to plan for them
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(21:09) When to seek professional guidance before making major transitions
Resources & Mentions
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Healthcare Sharing Plans article and podcast episode
Help Us Grow
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