It is common to feel self-conscious or embarrassed when starting to budget. Our culture has normalized financial irresponsibility to the point that people will often discourage their own friends from taking positive steps toward stability and control.

In this episode, we unpack why budgeting feels uncomfortable at first, how social pressure reinforces unhealthy money habits, and why choosing financial discipline is an act of confidence—not deprivation. If you have ever felt judged for trying to get your finances in order, this conversation is for you.

Subscribe to us on YouTube @themattmoneyshow - or wherever you get podcasts. Check out our instagram @themattmoneyshow and DM us your money question!

Saying that rent is "throwing money away" is a myth, and a SUPER expensive one when people buy houses they can't afford to "start building wealth." Renting buys you time to save up a strong downpayment and emergency fund for the heavier responsibilities of home ownership.

Learn about what it means to be "house poor," the percentage of your monthly budget that should be for housing, and how to know if you're financially ready to be a home owner.

Subscribe to us on YouTube @themattmoneyshow - or wherever you get podcasts. Check out our instagram @themattmoneyshow and DM us your money question!

Learn where to keep your emergency fund, and how much it should be!

Subscribe to us on YouTube @themattmoneyshow - or wherever you get podcasts. Check out our instagram @themattmoneyshow and DM us your money question!

Stephen Covey, the author of 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' quotes one of his habits as "Be Proactive." You've got to be proactive if you want to start saving money.

In order to be proactive, you need a PLAN. Which means you've got to find a money system that resonates with & motivates you. It doesn't have to be the Matt Money System, but it's got to be something.

Exercise from the episode: (edit for your numbers)

Minimum Balance in Checking Account = Monthly Rent $1,000

Paycheck 1 (received on the last day of the month or 1st) $2,000

Rent (1,000)

Utilities (300)

Saving / Investing (800)

Insurance (100)

Payday 2 (Received on the 15th) $2,000

Credit Card Payment (Monthly on the 20th - 28th)* (1,800)

Ending Balance $1,000

*Credit Card encompasses groceries, restaurants, transportation, memberships & subscriptions, shopping, fun, etc.

**If you're paid bi-weekly, timing will be slightly different but the same method will apply.

Subscribe to us on YouTube @themattmoneyshow - or wherever you get podcasts. Check out our instagram @themattmoneyshow and DM us your money question!

Most people work hard without ever clearly defining what they're working toward. In this episode, we address that gap.

We explore why defining your version of a rich life is the foundation of meaningful progress, and how clarity at the destination helps clear the path forward into actionable steps today. When the end goal is well-defined, you can reverse-engineer it into practical, logical actions.

This episode breaks down effective goal-setting techniques and challenges you to move beyond vague ambitions toward intentional, measurable outcomes aligned with the life you actually want to live.

Check out our instagram @themattmoneyshow and DM a topic or question you'd like covered! Or subscribe to our YouTube @themattmoneyshow and comment your topic or question!

In the spirit of Christmas & Financial Literacy, Matt discusses investing ideas:

• Stocks
• Bonds
• High-Yield Savings Accounts
• CDs
• Real Estate
• Gold / Precious Metals
• Angel Investing / Startups
• Small Business
• Art
• Life Insurance
• Private Equity / Syndications
• Cryptocurrency
• Commodities
• Hard Money Lending / Notes / Private Lending

Check out our instagram @themattmoneyshow and DM a topic or question you'd like covered! Or subscribe to our YouTube @themattmoneyshow and comment your topic or question!

Check out our instagram @themattmoneyshow and DM a topic or question you'd like covered! Or, subscribe to our YouTube @themattmoneyshow and comment your topic or question.

Want to be better with money and crush it in 2026? Take the next four weeks to prepare by doing one low-effort, high-impact action each week!

Week 1 - Set up your accounts (Matt Money System: checking account, daily credit card, annual credit card, high-yield savings account*, and investment account)

Week 2 - Choose a scoreboard (budgeting app / spreadsheet)

Week 3 - Set up your monthly money plan

Week 4 - Decide where you will do your Personal Financial Review meeting

Check out our instagram @themattmoneyshow and DM a topic or question you'd like covered! Or subscribe to our YouTube @themattmoneyshow and comment your topic or question!

*We have a referral link for the high-yield savings account by clicking the link in our instagram bio!