How the Roberts Family Achieved Their Budgeting Goals
Background
The Roberts family—Mark, Jenna, and their two kids—represent a typical middle-class American household. With a combined monthly income of $7,000, they were struggling to manage expenses, pay off debt, and build consistent savings.
Despite their stable income, they often found themselves living paycheck to paycheck. That’s when they decided it was time to take control—and booked their first financial consultation.
The Challenges
No structured monthly budget
Frequent impulse spending on food, online shopping, and subscriptions
Over $12,000 in credit card debt
Less than $1,000 in savings
No tools to track income or expenses
“We weren’t in a crisis, but it always felt like we were one unexpected bill away from it.”
— Jenna Roberts
Our Approach
We designed a simple yet effective 3-phase strategy focused on budgeting, accountability, and long-term behavior change.
Phase 1: Income Mapping & Expense Visibility
We categorized their spending using a budget tracking app and found that nearly 22% of their income was going to non-essential spending. Cutting that in half would free up over $750/month.
Phase 2: Debt Snowball Method
We prioritized small-balance credit cards first to gain momentum. As each debt cleared, they rolled those payments into the next, accelerating the process.
Phase 3: Savings Automation
We set up automatic transfers of $300/month into a high-yield savings account—making saving effortless and consistent.
The Results (In Just 6 Months)
Paid off $8,500 in credit card debt
Built $2,200 in emergency savings
Cut monthly discretionary spending by 40%
Reduced financial stress and improved money conversations at home
“For the first time, we’re not just spending—we’re planning. And that’s a game-changer.”
— Mark Roberts
Final Takeaway
The Roberts family didn’t need more income—they needed a smarter plan. With the right structure, tools, and guidance, they turned stress into strategy and built habits that will serve them for years.
