OMG Becky, Look at Her Budget

by Melanie

I recently had the pleasure of reading Shannon’s (aka Financially Blonde) book, Train Your Way to Financial Fitness. I was so excited to read it as I’ve been a fan of Shannon’s for a long time — and now I can officially call her a friend.

Shannon is so likeable and personable – and she really wants to help people too. In the book, she recalls feeling restricted in her old job where she had to manage clients who had a certain amount of wealth. After realizing there’s a whole group of people (raises hand) that aren’t wealthy, but desperately need financial guidance, she decided to go out on her own and help people of all financial backgrounds. And that is why she rocks.

So, who is this book for?

The book is a great guide for people looking to assess their financial fitness. It’s jam-packed with personal stories, including Shannon revealing her struggle with her weight a few years back, as well as actionable tips to help you overcome your budget woes.

The best part of the book? There is a quiz to help determine if you are financially fit, financially skinny, or financially fat. Don’t worry, you can’t fail!

Where do I end up? Well, I’m financially skinny. I’m doing alright, and in Shannon’s words, this is where most people are at, but I could be doing better. I’m not saving enough and my retirement is at laughable levels.

In the book, Shannon describes financially skinny people like myself: “At first, you were probably excited to see your type; after all, who doesn’t want to be skinny? From a financial perspective, though, Skinny people have a number of challenges. I call this type “Skinny” because you liter­ally live paycheck to paycheck, and you are barely getting by financially. Just as it is not good for your body to be deprived of food, it is not good to deprive your bank account of cash. You have a difficult time saving and getting ahead because of various challenges in your financial life.”

Um, hello student loans! You suck!

Anyway, I loved the metaphor between financial wealth and physical health. They both require a lot of care and maintenance – and it’s important to find balance.

I have never been very good at balance. I’m a highly emotional creature and this book has reminded me of some of my spending triggers that I need to be aware of, so that I can stay on track and rock my budget.

I highly recommend the book for everyone. It’s a fun and engaging read.

For more information, check out Financially Blonde, or buy the book!

Melanie
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17 comments

Shannon @ Financially Blonde October 3, 2014 - 3:27 am

Ha! I LOVE the title of this post!!!!! SO awesome! And thank you so much for reviewing my book! I definitely have issues with money and emotions myself which is probably why I relate so well to my clients. Student loans suck, but you are rocking yours just like you rock the mic on karaoke night and I am proud of you! Thanks for sharing this!

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Mrs. Frugalwoods October 3, 2014 - 4:40 am

Fellow fan of Shannon and her book here! I really liked the quiz and the targeted advice for each level of financial fitness. Such a great read.

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Erin @ Journey to Saving October 3, 2014 - 8:22 am

I, too, love the title of the post. I agree that Shannon rocks because she saw a whole subset of people that weren’t receiving the help they needed. I would rather go that route than advise wealthy clients, too! You will get to financially fit in no time, Mel. Those student loans don’t stand a chance.

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Melanie October 4, 2014 - 8:24 am

Thanks, Erin! You rock!

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Budget and the Beach October 3, 2014 - 10:19 am

I’m probably more financially skinny myself. I need to “fatten” up my accounts. 🙂

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Melanie October 4, 2014 - 8:24 am

Same!

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Kayla @ Shoeaholicnomore October 3, 2014 - 11:52 am

Love the title. Good eye catcher 🙂

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Melanie October 4, 2014 - 8:23 am

Thanks! I cracked myself up with it, lol.

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Kara October 3, 2014 - 1:24 pm

Best title ever!!!!

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Melanie October 4, 2014 - 8:19 am

Hehe, thanks! 🙂

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DC @ Young Adult Money October 3, 2014 - 7:22 pm

“Um, hello student loans! You suck!” Yes! If it wasn’t for student loans I wouldn’t be trying to hustle so much on top of my 9-5 job. Spending triggers are important, and I look forward to reading Shannon’s book.

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Melanie October 4, 2014 - 8:16 am

I’m right there with ya! Always on the hustle.

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Michelle October 3, 2014 - 8:17 pm

I’m looking forward to checking out her book! Thanks for the review.

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Melanie October 4, 2014 - 8:15 am

You’re welcome! It’s a good read.

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Amos October 6, 2014 - 6:35 am

I like Melanie too. I have been following her blog and I think she is very awesome. I can’t wait to read the book too 🙂

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Natalie @ Financegirl.com October 6, 2014 - 7:26 am

I also like that metaphor between financial wealth and physical health. And I’m right there with you re student loans. I hope sacrificing now pays off huge later – “live like no one else now, so later I can live and give like no one else” (a favorite Dave Ramsey quote of mine that keeps me going).

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Melanie October 7, 2014 - 10:40 am

We’ll get there!

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