In this episode, I chat with Kevin Payne about how families can experience the magic of Disney without breaking the bank. Kevin shares his journey from adopting two children (doubling his family size!) to finding ways to make travel affordable while maintaining certain non-negotiables.

We discuss:

• The biggest Disney expenses
• Pros and cons of staying on vs. off Disney property
• How to save on food
• Setting souvenir budgets for kids (and why food often becomes the best souvenir)

Kevin reveals that even though Disney has gotten more expensive, there are always ways to make it work within your budget by being intentional about what aspects matter most to your family.

Whether you've never been to Disney because you thought it was out of reach (like I once did) or you're a Disney veteran looking for new savings tips, this episode will help you plan an affordable magical experience.

Listen to Kevin's podcast, The Family Money Adventure Show, or find him on social media @HeyKevinPayne.

Also, you can check out Disney tips at The Undercover Tourist

You Might Like:

• Get the FREE Goodbye Debt Tracker!
• Grab my FREE Budgeting Cheat Sheet.
• Get the Budget My Paycheck Spreadsheet.
• Follow Allison on Instagram! @inspiredbudget
• Check out Inspired Budget's blog.
• Take my FREE class on How to Budget to Build Wealth!

Summer spending can sneak up on you fast. Between pool days, fireworks, and sales everywhere you look, it’s easy to blow through your budget without even realizing it.

In this episode, I’m getting honest about where I’m NOT spending money this summer (looking at you, lemon-themed decor) and the few things I am saying YES to, guilt-free.

I’m sharing:

• 7 things I’m skipping this summer to save money and reduce stress
  
  
• 3 things I’m excited to splurge on, including family travel and a backyard upgrade
  
  
• How we’re using gift cards, free fun, and summer camp hacks to stretch our budget

My hope is that this episode helps you rethink your own summer spending. Grab your notes app and jot down your own "no" list and "yes" list. It’s such a helpful way to stay intentional with your money while still enjoying the season.

👉 Send me a DM on Instagram (@inspiredbudget) and tell me what you’re saying "no" and "yes" to this summer. I’d love to hear your list!

You Might Like:

• Get the FREE Goodbye Debt Tracker!
• Grab my FREE Budgeting Cheat Sheet.
• Get the Budget My Paycheck Spreadsheet.
• Follow Allison on Instagram! @inspiredbudget
• Check out Inspired Budget's blog.
• Take my FREE class on How to Budget to Build Wealth!

Jesse Cramer, a former aerospace engineer turned financial planner, joins me to talk about longevity risk and why it’s especially important for women to plan for the long haul.

We talk about what it means to outlive your money, how Social Security really works (especially for stay-at-home moms or lower earners), and what to do if you're behind on retirement savings. Jesse breaks it down in everyday language that anyone can understand.

You'll learn:

• What spousal and survivor benefits actually mean
• How to build a “retirement paycheck” that doesn’t just rely on Social Security
• Why it’s okay to start investing even if you don’t know everything yet
• When it might make sense to hire a financial advisor (and when it doesn’t)

Whether you're in your 30s, 50s, or somewhere in between, this episode is your reminder that it’s not too late and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

🔗 Links Mentioned:

• Jesse’s blog: bestinterest.blog
• Jesse’s podcast: Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors

You Might Like:

• Get the FREE Goodbye Debt Tracker!
• Grab my FREE Budgeting Cheat Sheet.
• Get the Budget My Paycheck Spreadsheet.
• Follow Allison on Instagram! @inspiredbudget
• Check out Inspired Budget's blog.
• Take my FREE class on How to Budget to Build Wealth!