Summer was fun—your bank account says otherwise.

In this kickoff to our Back-to-School, Back-to-Budget mini-series, Shari lays out a simple, no-shame plan to reset your budget after summer, rebuild your money routine, and set up a fall financial reset that actually sticks.

If camps, travel, iced lattes, and “just this once” dinners left you with a summer spending hangover, this episode gives you five practical moves to get back on track before holiday spending hits.

In this series, you’ll learn how to run a fast cash-flow audit, spot money leaks (hello, unused subscriptions), build realistic September budgets, and create fall financial containers for predictable expenses—so you walk into Q4 confident, not scrambling.

You’ll hear:

• Why routines (not willpower) drive real financial confidence

• The honest summer spending reality check—and how to stop the shame spiral


• A step-by-step cash-flow review you can do in 30 minutes


• The One-Cut Challenge to reclaim cash this week (subscription audit, anyone?)


• How to build a realistic September budget you’ll actually follow


• “Financial containers” for fall: back-to-school, holidays, travel, winter wear


• The weekly money check-in that keeps you out of panic mode

You’ll walk away with:

• A clear, judgment-free picture of where your money went this summer


• One recurring expense canceled—and dollars redirected to what matters


• A realistic September budget (not perfection—direction)


• A simple system to prep for fall + holiday costs before they hit


• A 15-minute weekly check-in ritual to stay accountable

This episode is perfect for: Anyone feeling behind after summer who wants a fresh start for fall, listeners prepping for holiday spending, and busy adults who need a budget reset they can keep up with.

Series note: This is Part 1 of 4. Next up: Your Fall Financial Checkup—cash flow, savings, debt, and the sneaky leaks draining your budget.

If this helped, share it with a friend who needs a post-summer money reset, follow the show so you never miss an episode, and come hang with me on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney for weekly tips and prompts.

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