Are you stressed about money, feeling like you’re always living paycheck to paycheck, or unsure how to get ahead? You’re not alone. Financial confidence isn’t about earning more — it’s about planning for what matters most and making intentional decisions with your money.
My Journey to Financial Confidence
For years, I was a single mom raising three teenagers. Some months, it was a struggle just to cover the bills. Living on a tight, single-income budget taught me the value of planning ahead, prioritizing expenses, and making each dollar count.
Later, I became a military spouse. While our household income increased, it didn’t automatically solve our financial challenges. Like many families, we found ourselves living paycheck to paycheck. Debt, no budget, and no clear plan for our money left us feeling worried and stressed.
On top of that, my husband’s government paycheck sometimes becomes uncertain during shutdowns — a reality that many military families face. Without a plan, financial uncertainty can feel overwhelming.
Small Steps Lead to Big Change
Over time, we discovered a better approach to managing money. The transformation didn’t happen overnight — it was about taking small, consistent steps:
- Pay down debt to reduce financial pressure
- Cut unnecessary expenses to free up cash
- Build an emergency fund to handle unexpected events
- Plan spending and savings to align with your family’s priorities and values
By becoming intentional with our money, we gained something even more valuable than financial stability: peace of mind. Even when life feels uncertain, we now have confidence because we know our plan supports our goals and our values.
Why Planning Matters More Than Income
The truth is, no matter how much you earn, money can feel tight without a plan. But with intentional budgeting, paying off debt, and prioritizing your spending, you can create financial security — and feel calm, confident, and in control.
Whether you’re a single parent, a military spouse, or just someone looking to take control of your finances, it’s possible to move from stress to stability — one small step at a time.
How I Help Families Take Control
My personal experience inspired me to become a financial coach. I love helping families and individuals find the same sense of stability and confidence we did. Through coaching, I guide clients in creating budgets, paying down debt, and building emergency funds — all tailored to their unique goals and values.
Take the First Step Toward Financial Confidence
You don’t have to figure it out alone. You can start creating financial stability today. Schedule a free introductory session with me to talk about your finances, get practical tips, and take your first step toward control and confidence:
Schedule a Free Session
No matter what’s happening in the world, you can take control of your money and your future.
About the Author
Renee Chapman is a Ramsey Preferred Coach, an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) Candidate, and the founder of Climb Higher Financial Coaching. With personal experience as a single mom and military spouse, she helps individuals and families create budgets, pay down debt, and build confidence in their finances. Renee’s mission is to help clients take control of their money and their future — one intentional step at a time.
Learn more about Renee and her approach on the About page, or schedule a free introductory session to get started.