Hey love,

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t always come with a filter or a pretty highlight reel—money. Not the kind you post about when you’re winning big, but the kind that keeps you up at night. The kind that weighs on your marriage, creeps into your prayers, and makes you whisper, “Are we ever going to get ahead?”

Mark and I are in a season right now that’s stretching us—in the best and hardest of ways. We’re getting serious about our finances. About debt. About building healthy money habits. About dreaming of a future that’s not built on financial stress, but on freedom.

And we’ve learned a few things along the way that I want to share with you—because if you’re in this season too, you are so not alone.

1. We Had to Face the Numbers (Even the Ugly Ones)

The first step? Pulling everything out into the light. The debts, the bills, the spending habits, the things we were avoiding. It wasn’t easy. There were moments of deep discomfort. But truth always makes room for transformation.

💡 You can’t heal what you won’t face. Honesty is the first step towards financial freedom.

2. We Started Talking—Really Talking

Money used to be a tension point especially for me. Now? It’s becoming a team project. We started having regular money dates (with snacks and no shame), asking each other:

●   What’s stressing you right now?

●   What financial future are we dreaming of?

●   What sacrifices can we make together?

❤ When you stop pointing fingers and start holding hands, everything changes.

3. We Made a Simple, Grace-Filled Budget

Not the kind that’s rigid or scary. A real one. One that reflects our needs, dreams, and the grace we give ourselves when things don’t go perfectly. We use a number of tools like a spending app for Mark (I just write my expenses in a notes app- ancient I know but it works for me) but the magic isn’t in the system. It’s in the commitment.

📊 A budget is just a plan for your money to serve your goals—not your guilt.

4. We’re Tackling Debt One Step at a Time

We’ve chosen to snowball it—starting with our smallest debts first and building momentum. Every time we pay one off, we celebrate. Not because the number is big, but because the victory is.

✨ Every little win is a seed of freedom. Water it with celebration.

5. We’re Learning—Together

We’re attending events that empower us on this topic. Watching YouTube channels. Listening to finance podcasts. Not because we suddenly became money experts—but because we’re hungry. Hungry for wisdom, peace, and a legacy that honors God and our family’s future.

Here are a few resources we recommend:

●   “The Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey

●   Smart Money Happy Hour Podcast

●   The Budget Mom (for real-life budgeting tips)

📚 Financial growth isn’t about how much you make—it’s about how much you’re willing to learn.

6. We’re Keeping God at the Center

We’re praying over our finances like never before. Not just for provision—but for discipline, unity, wisdom, and generosity. We don’t want to just get by. We want to steward well.

God cares about every part of your life—including your wallet.

You’re Not Behind, Babe. You’re Becoming.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your finances today, I see you. If you’re sitting in a pile of receipts and wondering how you got here—you are not failing. You are growing. Taking one step. Making one shift. And that’s brave.

Mark and I are still in the middle of it. But we’re holding hands, holding on to hope, and choosing progress over perfection every single day. It’s actually possible to climb out of that pit and thrive. Watch us do that! And you can too. With so much love, Daisy Sunshine 🌼💛