Financial Fix Up, Family Budget Tips, Frugal Living

Hosted by Sarah Brumley, Lemon Blessings

Business Education Kids Family Parenting

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Sep 2025

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About the show

It's not always easy to take on a second job in order to improve your financial situation and, most the time, it's not necessary. Each Thursday, join Sarah Brumley, an ordinary wife and mom, as she details practical ways to use the income you already have to achieve your greatest goals. If you are struggling to make your family finances work for you, or just want some down-to-earth inspiration to increase your financial success, this is the podcast for you.

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September 11, 202514 min

4 Smart Money Moves to Make This Fall

Does it ever feel like fall sneaks up on your wallet? One minute you’re paying for school supplies, the next it’s holiday travel, costumes, and Christmas shopping—and suddenly the credit card balance is higher than you’d like.In today’s episode, we’re hitting pause for a fall budget reset. I’ll walk you through four simple steps you can take right now to prepare your money for the months ahead—so you can move into the holiday season with less stress and a whole lot more peace.Next StepsCheck out these DIY Resources and TemplatesDownload your FREE Family Budget WorksheetJoin the Financial Fix Up MembershipRelated Podcast Episodes:#84: 3 Simple Tips for When You're Ready to Begin Again#28: Why These 3 Popular Money Moves Don’t Work#22: 5 Ways to Stretch the Grocery Budget This Month#15: 3 Meal Planning Strategies I Use to Save Money Each MonthAdditional Resources:Are you on my email list? If not, you’re totally missing out!Each week, I send out an email packed with budgeting challenges, home maintenance strategies, fun and frugal family activities, meal planning tips, and even a sneak peek behind the scenes. My goal is simple: to inspire you to take those small steps that can lead to big changes in your home and financial life.I promise I won’t clutter your inbox—just valuable insights to help you thrive! If you’d like to join our community, head over to lemonblessings.com/news or click the link in the show notes.Together we can transform those small actions into significant results!

September 4, 202510 min

3 Simple Tips for When You're Ready to Begin Again

Ever feel like life hit pause on all your best intentions? The routines you worked so hard for are no longer in place, the budget’s drifted, and suddenly you’re left wondering if you’ve lost all your progress? You’re not alone. Today we’re talking about what it really means to begin again—without pressure, without perfection, and with a whole lot of grace. So if you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to reset… this is your invitation to start right where you are. Let’s get started. Next StepsCheck out these DIY Resources and TemplatesDownload your FREE Family Budget WorksheetJoin the Financial Fix Up MembershipRelated Podcast Episodes:#74: How to Break Free from the “I Deserve It” Spending Habit#65: Pantry Secrets: How to Plan Meals and Actually Save Money#28: Why These 3 Popular Money Moves Don’t Work#13: 5 Savings Funds Every Family Budget Needs#2: So You’ve Hit Rock Bottom, Now What?Additional Resources:Are you on my email list? If not, you’re totally missing out!Each week, I send out an email packed with budgeting challenges, home maintenance strategies, fun and frugal family activities, meal planning tips, and even a sneak peek behind the scenes. My goal is simple: to inspire you to take those small steps that can lead to big changes in your home and financial life.I promise I won’t clutter your inbox—just valuable insights to help you thrive! If you’d like to join our community, head over to lemonblessings.com/news or click the link in the show notes.Together we can transform those small actions into significant results!

June 5, 202513 min

Real Talk for New Grads: 5 Things You Need To Know

What do you really need to know before stepping into adult life? My daughter asked me that question as she gets ready to graduate—and maybe you’ve wondered the same thing. So today, I’m sharing five things every graduate should know—practical wisdom, honest truth, and the kind of encouragement I wish someone had given me back then. Whether you’re the one graduating or you love someone who is, this episode’s for you.Next StepsCheck out these DIY Resources and TemplatesDownload your FREE Family Budget WorksheetJoin the Financial Fix Up MembershipRelated Podcast Episodes:#74: How to Break Free from the “I Deserve It” Spending Habit#64: How to Create a Budget from Start to Finish#59: Community Building 101: How to Define Your Circles#3: How to Create the Ideal Family Budget for Your FamilyAdditional Resources:Are you on my email list? If not, you’re totally missing out!Each week, I send out an email packed with budgeting challenges, home maintenance strategies, fun and frugal family activities, meal planning tips, and even a sneak peek behind the scenes. My goal is simple: to inspire you to take those small steps that can lead to big changes in your home and financial life.I promise I won’t clutter your inbox—just valuable insights to help you thrive! If you’d like to join our community, head over to lemonblessings.com/news or click the link in the show notes.Together we can transform those small actions into significant results!

May 29, 202514 min

Insurance Denied Again? Here's What to Do Right Now

You followed the process, got the referral, showed up for the appointment—and then the insurance denial lands in your inbox. We’ve been there. In Part 2 of this series, I’m walking you through exactly what to do when insurance says no—from appeal letters to staying organized, and everything in between. Feeling overwhelmed by the fight? You don’t have to do it alone. Let’s get started.Next StepsCheck out these DIY Resources and TemplatesDownload your FREE Family Budget WorksheetJoin the Financial Fix Up MembershipRelated Podcast Episodes:#81: We Got an $80,000 Medical Bill: Now What?#71: How to Budget When Your Income is Unpredictable#13: 5 Savings Funds Every Family Budget Needs#2: So You’ve Hit Rock Bottom, Now What?Additional Resources:Here’s the deal: in order to achieve your long-term financial goals, you have to have a budget that works for you and your family. That means, getting super clear on your income, expenses, and total debt payoff amounts, so you can make any necessary changes and begin to see progress. That’s exactly what the Financial Fix Up Planner is designed to help you do. With step-by-step instructions to set up your budget, monthly challenges to keep you on your toes, menu planning resources, and space to reflect on your goals, you’ll have everything you need to pursue your dream of financial freedom. Sound like something you need? You can grab your copy today at lemonblessings.com/planner and take back control of your family finances.

May 22, 202514 min

We Got an $80,000 Medical Bill: Now What?

Ever opened a medical bill and felt your stomach drop? Or wondered how on earth you’d pay for something your insurance barely covered—or didn’t cover at all? We’ve been there—overwhelmed by medical bills. From $80,000 bills to courtroom appeals, we’ve walked through it all. In this two-part series, I’m sharing the ins and outs of all the things we learned the hard way. Today, in Part 1, we’re talking about how to get ahead of medical costs before they happen—and what to do when a bill shows up and you don’t have the money to pay it. Sound like something you need? Well then, let’s get started!Next StepsCheck out these DIY Resources and TemplatesDownload your FREE Family Budget WorksheetJoin the Financial Fix Up MembershipRelated Podcast Episodes:#79: 3 Budget-Friendly Tips for Family Travel#75: Debt-Free Families Following These 5 Simple Rules - Do You?#72: Is Cash-Only Budgeting Right for You? Pros and Cons#70: Why Budgeting Feels Hard - And How to Make it EasierAdditional Resources:Are you on my email list? If not, you’re totally missing out!Each week, I send out an email packed with budgeting challenges, home maintenance strategies, fun and frugal family activities, meal planning tips, and even a sneak peek behind the scenes. My goal is simple: to inspire you to take those small steps that can lead to big changes in your home and financial life.I promise I won’t clutter your inbox—just valuable insights to help you thrive! If you’d like to join our community, head over to lemonblessings.com/news or click the link in the show notes.Together we can transform those small actions into significant results!

May 8, 202514 min

3 Things to Prep Now for a Smoother, Cheaper Summer

Summer might still be a few weeks away, but if you wait until the kids are out of school to start prepping, you’re already behind. Today, I’m sharing three things you can do right now to get summer-ready—without busting your budget. Because when it comes to family fun, planning ahead means less stress, more memories, and more money in your pocket. Ready to make this your best summer yet? Well then, let’s get started.Next StepsCheck out these DIY Resources and TemplatesDownload your FREE Family Budget WorksheetJoin the Financial Fix Up MembershipRelated Podcast Episodes:#79: 3 Budget-Friendly Tips for Family Travel#77: 3 Easy Tips to Cut Your Grocery Bill Now#12: Debt Free Travel: 3 Tips for Your Budget-Friendly Vacation#5: 5 Kid-Related Expenses to Consider for Summer SurvivalAdditional Resources:Let me ask you—do you ever find yourself standing in the kitchen at 5 o’clock, wondering what’s for dinner? Or maybe you’re tired of making multiple grocery runs every week? Trust me, I get it! And that’s exactly why I created the Monthly Meal Planning Bundle.From weekly and monthly meal planning calendars, grocery lists, inventory sheets, and more, this bundle is all about making meal planning easier, saving time, and cutting down on food waste. And the best part? Less stress, fewer trips to the store, and more home-cooked meals!So if you’re ready to take the guesswork out of mealtime, grab your Monthly Meal Planning Bundle today! Just head to lemonblessings.com/shop to download yours now.

April 22, 202513 min

3 Budget-Friendly Tips for Family Travel

Ever spent more money prepping for vacation than the trip itself? I’ve been there—and I’m guessing you have too. But what if a little bit of organization could save your sanity and your wallet? In this episode, I’m sharing three family-tested, budget-friendly travel tips that help us pack light, stay organized, and avoid those last-minute expenses. Let’s jump in.Next StepsCheck out How to Fast Track Your Vacation PlanningDownload your Vacation Budget Planning WorksheetJoin the Financial Fix Up MembershipRelated Podcast Episodes:#77: 3 Easy Tips to Cut Your Grocery Bill Now#76: Are Your Groceries Shrinking? How to Combat ‘Shrinkflation’#75: Debt-Free Families Following These 5 Simple Rules - Do You?#74: How to Break Free from the “I Deserve It” Spending HabitAdditional Resources:My favorite toiletries bag: https://amzn.to/4jDlCPzAre you on my email list? If not, you’re totally missing out!Each week, I send out an email packed with budgeting challenges, home maintenance strategies, fun and frugal family activities, meal planning tips, and even a sneak peek behind the scenes. My goal is simple: to inspire you to take those small steps that can lead to big changes in your home and financial life.I promise I won’t clutter your inbox—just valuable insights to help you thrive! If you’d like to join our community, head over to lemonblessings.com/news or click the link in the show notes.Together we can transform those small actions into significant results!Let me ask you—do you ever find yourself standing in the kitchen at 5 o’clock, wondering what’s for dinner? Or maybe you’re tired of making multiple grocery runs every week? Trust me, I get it! And that’s exactly why I created the Monthly Meal Planning Bundle.From weekly and monthly meal planning calendars, grocery lists, inventory sheets, and more, this bundle is all about making meal planning easier, saving time, and cutting down on food waste. And the best part? Less stress, fewer trips to the store, and more home-cooked meals!So if you’re ready to take the guesswork out of mealtime, grab your Monthly Meal Planning Bundle today! Just head to lemonblessings.com/shop to download yours now.

April 17, 20256 min

How To: Your Simple AND Quick April Budget Reset

Alright, friend—be honest. Does your budget feel a little… spring-loaded right now? Like, you had good intentions. You were making progress. And then suddenly—BOOM. April shows up with school events, summer deposits, and that random urge to buy a patio set on clearance. If you’re wondering where the money went—or how to get back on track—this quick episode is for you. Let’s hit the reset button together—no guilt, no spreadsheets, and no giving up on your goals. Sound like something you need? Well then, let’s get started!Next StepsCheck out these DIY Resources and TemplatesDownload your FREE Family Budget WorksheetJoin the Financial Fix Up MembershipRelated Podcast Episodes:#77: 3 Easy Tips to Cut Your Grocery Bill Now#75: Debt-Free Families Following These 5 Simple Rules - Do You?#74: How to Break Free from the “I Deserve It” Spending Habit#70: Why Budgeting Feels Hard - And How to Make it EasierAdditional Resources:Are you on my email list? If not, you’re totally missing out!Each week, I send out an email packed with budgeting challenges, home maintenance strategies, fun and frugal family activities, meal planning tips, and even a sneak peek behind the scenes. My goal is simple: to inspire you to take those small steps that can lead to big changes in your home and financial life.I promise I won’t clutter your inbox—just valuable insights to help you thrive! If you’d like to join our community, head over to lemonblessings.com/news or click the link in the show notes.Together we can transform those small actions into significant results!

April 15, 202512 min

3 Easy Tips To Cut Your Grocery Bill Now

You know things are bad when you leave the grocery store with five bags and wonder if you accidentally bought plane tickets. If food costs have gone way up and you’re trying to get your budget back on track, this episode is packed with three super practical tips that are working for my family—plus a fun way to save money and make bulk shopping fun again. Let’s fix this, together.Next StepsCheck out these DIY Resources and TemplatesDownload the Meal Planning BundleJoin the Financial Fix Up MembershipRelated Podcast Episodes:#76: Are Your Groceries Shrinking? How to Combat ‘Shrinkflation’#75: Debt-Free Families Following These 5 Simple Rules - Do You?#74: How to Break Free from the “I Deserve It” Spending Habit#73: The Myth of the ‘Best Deal’—What Saves You Money?Additional Resources:Are you on my email list? If not, you’re totally missing out!Each week, I send out an email packed with budgeting challenges, home maintenance strategies, fun and frugal family activities, meal planning tips, and even a sneak peek behind the scenes. My goal is simple: to inspire you to take those small steps that can lead to big changes in your home and financial life.I promise I won’t clutter your inbox—just valuable insights to help you thrive! If you’d like to join our community, head over to lemonblessings.com/news or click the link in the show notes.Together we can transform those small actions into significant results!

April 3, 202511 min

Are Your Groceries Shrinking? How to Combat ‘Shrinkflation’

Ever feel like your groceries are shrinking, but your grocery bill isn’t? You’re not imagining things! Shrinkflation is making products smaller while keeping the prices the same—or even raising them.Take Oreos. I swear, every time I buy a pack, there are fewer cookies inside. Pretty soon, they’ll just sell us a bag of crumbs and call it “shareable.”Today, we’re breaking down why this is happening, how to spot it, and—most importantly—how to fight back. Sound like something you need? Well then, let’s get started!Next StepsCheck out these DIY Resources and TemplatesDownload the Meal Planning BundleJoin the Financial Fix Up MembershipRelated Podcast Episodes:#75: Debt-Free Families Following These 5 Simple Rules - Do You?#74: How to Break Free from the “I Deserve It” Spending Habit#73: The Myth of the ‘Best Deal’—What Saves You Money?#72: Is Cash-Only Budgeting Right for You? Pros and ConsAdditional Resources:Are you on my email list? If not, you’re totally missing out!Each week, I send out an email packed with budgeting challenges, home maintenance strategies, fun and frugal family activities, meal planning tips, and even a sneak peek behind the scenes. My goal is simple: to inspire you to take those small steps that can lead to big changes in your home and financial life.I promise I won’t clutter your inbox—just valuable insights to help you thrive! If you’d like to join our community, head over to lemonblessings.com/news or click the link in the show notes.Together we can transform those small actions into significant results!