How to Build Your December Budget (Step-By-Step Walkthrough) | 492

What this episode covers

https://budgetbesties.com/budgetpodcast (Snag Our Simplified Budget System!) You know what time it is... it's DECEMBER BUDGET TIME! 🎁 And if you're like us, you're probably already bracing for the whirlwind of holidays, parties, gifts, and those sneaky little expenses that come outta nowhere (we see you, secret Santa and gymnastics party #3). In this episode, we walk you step-by-step through how to build your December budget before the chaos takes over—because clarity now means peace later. Here’s what we’re diving into: ✅ Closing out November Before we do anything for December, we gotta see how November wrapped up. That means checking bills, income changes, surprise spending, and making sure your budget reflects what actually happened, not just what you planned. ✅ Setting Up December’s Budget We start fresh—but not really! If you're using our system, it all auto-fills based on last month, so you’re not building from scratch. We show you how to plug in your income, including paychecks, side hustles, garage sales—you name it. Every dollar coming in matters. ✅ Listing Your Debt Minimums No skipping this step. We’re laying out all those minimum payments so you can see exactly how much debt is costing you monthly. Why? Because awareness = power. And some of y’all are one payoff away from a BIG monthly win! ✅ Mapping Out Your Bills We walk you through how to list every bill with a due date—from the mortgage and electric to those pesky subscriptions that add up fast. (Looking at you, 7 streaming services.) ✅ Budgeting for Spending—Yes, Real Life Spending Gas. Groceries. Fun. Kid stuff. Personal spending. We break down how we use separate checking accounts for each so you know what’s safe to spend—no tracking needed. 🙌 ✅ Planning for the Extras This Month December’s got layers: holiday travel, birthdays, class parties, random gift exchanges. We show you where to plug in those “extras” so they don’t sneak-attack your budget. ✅ Stacking Your Savings Buckets Whether it’s for Christmas 2026 or your annual HOA fee, those savings buckets are key to staying out of debt for good. We give you the rundown on how our clients are funding theirs, even in a busy season. ✅ Using Leftover Money With Intention Once everything’s plugged in, what’s left? That’s the magic. Whether it’s extra debt payments or beefing up your savings, we show you how to finish your budget strong—without guessing. Connect With Us: 1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎https://budgetbesties.com/facebook ( )http://budgetbesties.com/facebook (budgetbesties.com/facebook) 2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎https://budgetbesties.com/automate ( )http://budgetbesties.com/automate (budgetbesties.com/automate) 3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎https://budgetbesties.com/budgetemail ( )http://budgetbesties.com/budgetpodcast (budgetbesties.com/budget) 4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎https://budgetbesties.com/coaching ( )http://budgetbesties.com/coaching (budgetbesties.com/coaching) 5️⃣ Be on the Podcast – Free coaching, real convo. Come chat with us on the show! Get real-time financial coaching and help other women by sharing your story. ➡︎ https://budgetbesties.com/livecall (budgetbesties.com/livecall) "I love Shana and Vanessa and this podcast is amazing!" 👈🏻 If that sounds like you… ✨ Please take a second to rate and review the show! It helps us reach more people—just like you—who are ready to change their financial future. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode! 💌 And if you're feeling extra generous, share this podcast with a friend who needs it. We’d be so honored. 🙌 https://budgetbesties.com/privacy (Click here to view our privacy policy.) This description may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission at no cost to you if you click and purchase!