The ‘Set It and Forget It’ Budget System for a Clutter-Free Life with the Budget Besties (Ep 279)
Learn how to declutter your finances with the Budget Besties’ “set it and forget it” system. Simplify your money, automate your spending, and start living intentionally, without giving up life’s little joys.
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Resources Mentioned:
Learn to be Bougie on a Budget at https://budgetbesties.com/deanna/
Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/279
Connect with Shana & Vanessa
Instagram
Financial Coaching for Women Podcast
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room
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Ever feel like you make good money but have nothing to show for it? You’re not alone.
In this fun and practical episode, Deanna sits down with Vanessa and Shana, best friends and master financial coaches known as the Budget Besties, to break down their “Bougie on a Budget” system—a simple, clutter-free approach to money that works automagically.
Together, they share how to create a set-it-and-forget-it budget that feels effortless, organized, and totally doable. You’ll learn how to separate your money into purposeful “buckets,” automate your spending, and finally feel in control of your finances (without cutting out your pumpkin spice lattes).
Whether you’re tired of tracking every expense or want to bring the same calm to your finances that you’ve brought to your home, this conversation will show you how to make your money work for your intentional life.
We Cover:
Why most traditional budgets fail and what to do instead.
How to build a “set it and forget it” budget that runs automagically.
The five simple categories every clutter-free budget should include.
A new way to look at saving, spending, and planning for life’s “expected surprises.”
The mindset shift that makes managing money feel empowering (not restrictive).
Time Stamps:
00:00 – Welcome and episode overview
02:37 – Meet Shana & Vanessa, the Budget Besties
04:00 – Why women who make good money still feel broke
06:00 – Why most budgets fail (and how to fix it)
08:30 – The “Bougie on a Budget” one-page system
13:00 – What “automagical” budgeting really looks like
16:00 – Organizing your bank accounts for effortless spending
20:30 – The curling iron story: a surprising budgeting analogy
25:00 – Modern money management tools that simplify your life
27:30 – The credit card debate: rewards vs. reality
33:00 – Compromise strategies for couples and families
37:00 – Can you really automate it and forget it? (real-life proof)
40:30 – How best friends built a business around financial freedom
43:00 – Overcoming shame and clutter (at home and with money)
46:00 – Where to find the Budget Besties and their system
50:00 – Final thoughts and a simple financial action step
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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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55:02
How to Finally Get Organized (and Stay That Way) with Meggie Mangione (Ep 278)
Tired of decluttering on repeat? Learn how to create a clutter-free home that lasts with author Meggie Mangione. Real talk, practical systems, and zero judgment for busy, modern women.
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Resources Mentioned:
Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/278
Connect with Meggie Mangione
Instagram
Meggie’s Website
Give Clutter the Middle Finger: A Chingona's Guide
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room
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Are you tired of organizing the same spaces over and over again?
In this episode, Deanna sits down with Meggie Mangione, author of Give Clutter the Middle Finger and creator of Organized Life Design, to talk about what it really means to get organized and how to stay that way.
Meggie shares why true organization isn’t about perfection or Pinterest-worthy bins, but about creating a home that feels calm, functional, and aligned with who you are.
We Cover:
Why focusing on how your space feels leads to more freedom
How to declutter without guilt (even sentimental stuff!)
Small mindset shifts that make big organizing progress
Neurodivergent-friendly strategies that actually work
Using “fed-up energy” to finally make change stick
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 02:01 Meet Meggie Mangione 02:42 The Birth of 'Give Clutter the Middle Finger' 06:27 Decluttering During the Pandemic 09:36 The True Test of Being Organized 16:47 Minimalism and Personal Preferences 24:55 The Emotional Challenges of Closets and Keepsakes 26:16 Dealing with Guilt and Finding Donation Avenues 29:12 The Importance of Pacing Yourself with Keepsakes 30:54 The Role of Support in Organizing 33:16 Organizing for Neurodivergent Individuals 41:30 Using Fed Up Energy to Spark Change 44:42 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts
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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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51:26
Clutter, Self-Worth & Spiritual Freedom: Why Letting Go Heals More Than Your Home (EMPOWERING Series Pt. 9: Ep 277)
Does clutter make you feel guilty, drained, or “less than”? In this episode, Deanna Yates explores the deep connection between clutter, self-worth, and spiritual well-being.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
How clutter affects your sense of worth and self-talk
Why clutter creates spiritual disconnection
Mindset shifts to release guilt and shame tied to possessions
A simple action step to align your home with your deeper “why”
📌 Resources Mentioned:
Full show notes: www.wannabeclutterfree.com/277
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wannabeclutterfree/
Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wannabeminimalist
Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Episode Update
00:33 EMPOWERING Life Recap
02:56 The Importance of Worth and Why
09:37 Personal Story: Clutter and Motherhood
15:26 Clutter and Self-Worth Connection
24:30 Practical Guidance and Mindset Shifts
32:42 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser
Subscribe & Review:
If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less.
Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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37:17
Declutter Your Digital Life and Calm Tech Chaos with Amanda Jefferson (Ep 276)
Discover Amanda Jefferson’s simple strategies to declutter your digital life. Learn to streamline emails, photos, and passwords with her FOCUS Method and reclaim calm, clutter-free living.
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Resources Mentioned:
Get all the links and resources at wannabeclutterfree.com/276
Connect with Amanda Jefferson
Get Amanda's Tech Survival Guide
Instagram
Amanda's Website
Good Enough-ish Podcast
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Get my children's book: Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room
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Technology is supposed to make life easier—but often it leaves us drowning in emails, overflowing photo libraries, and password chaos. If your phone or laptop feels like a black hole, this episode is for you.
I’m joined by tech and productivity coach Amanda Jefferson, who shares her Tech TRAPS framework (the five biggest digital clutter culprits) and her FOCUS Method for reducing mental load. We dive into practical tips for managing emails, organizing photos, and simplifying your digital tools. Amanda also opens up about how staying organized online helped her family navigate one of life’s toughest seasons.
If you’ve been craving a calmer, clutter-free digital life, you’ll leave this episode with quick wins and inspiring new habits you can start today.
We Cover:
The 5 biggest Tech TRAPS causing digital chaos
Amanda’s FOCUS Method to reduce overwhelm and mental load
How to streamline emails, passwords, and photo libraries
Why digital organization matters for your well-being and even the environment
Practical tools to get your tech working for you, not against you
Time Stamps:
00:00 – Welcome + Amanda’s intro
04:00 – What digital clutter really is
06:45 – The 5 Tech TRAPS explained
08:00 – Simple tech tips that save time instantly
10:00 – Where to start when everything feels overwhelming
12:53 – The FOCUS Method to reduce mental load
17:30 – Tackling photo overload without guilt
22:00 – How digital organization supported Amanda during her father’s illness
25:30 – The environmental cost of digital storage
28:00 – Email decluttering tips (delete vs. archive)
34:00 – Why digital clutter adds to mental load
38:00 – Amanda’s Busy Woman’s Tech Survival Guide
41:00 – Final rapid-fire Q&A with Amanda
45:00 – Outro + preview of next week with Meggie Mangione
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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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We’d love to hear how you’re applying the strategies discussed in this episode. Share your stories and tips with us on social media (@wannabeclutterfree). Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes designed to make your busy life a bit easier.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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51:04
How to Live Clutter-Free: Your Top Questions Answered (Ep 275)
Ever feel guilty letting go of things, or wonder if you’re just hiding clutter in bins? In this Q&A, Deanna Yates answers listener questions about decluttering guilt, saying no to social overload, managing digital clutter, and telling the difference between real organizing and disguised clutter.
I’m answering listener questions about:
Moving past guilt when letting go of items tied to money or memories
Finding balance in a packed social calendar without hurting friendships
Tackling digital clutter and setting boundaries with notifications
Knowing the difference between organizing and simply disguising clutter
📌 Resources Mentioned:
Full show notes: www.wannabeclutterfree.com/275
Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wannabeclutterfree/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wannabeclutterfree/
All Podcast Episodes: https://wannabeclutterfree.com/posts
Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wannabeminimalist
Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review.
Timestamps:
00:00: Welcome + Why I Love Q&A Episodes
01:51: Decluttering guilt: erasing history, wasting money, letting go
12:32: Saying no to social overload without losing friends
20:44: Tackling digital clutter + managing notifications
24:56: Are you really organizing or just hiding clutter?
32:02: Final thoughts + upcoming episodes
Subscribe & Review:
If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less.
Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
About Wannabe Clutter Free | Declutter, Simplify, Find Freedom
Ready to finally calm the overwhelm and create a home and life you actually enjoy? The Wannabe Clutter Free podcast is here to help you clear the clutter, simplify your routines, and find freedom in the life you’re building.
I’m Deanna Yates, a busy mom who knows what it’s like to juggle family, career, and the never-ending piles of stuff. From selling 80% of what we owned to travel with our toddler, to managing the daily chaos of running a home with a school-aged kid, I’ve learned that living with less isn’t about deprivation. It’s about creating more space, more peace, and more joy.
Each week, I share real-life stories, simple decluttering strategies, and mindset shifts that make it easier to let go of what’s weighing you down. You’ll also hear from inspiring guests who share practical tips and fresh perspectives on minimalism, home organization, intentional living, and building habits that last.
If you’re tired of feeling buried in clutter and crave a home that feels calm, welcoming, and easy to manage, this show is for you. It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress, freedom, and finding space for what truly matters to you.
Listen to Wannabe Clutter Free | Declutter, Simplify, Find Freedom, Live Again with Sibahle and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app