Beyond The Budget

Proverbs Series - Episode 6 - Wake Up and Hustle Smart

Verses: Proverbs 6:1–5 (cosigning), Proverbs 6:6–11 (laziness & diligence)
“Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise… A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.” — Proverbs 6:6,10–11
Overview:In Episode 6, Greg Carroll brings some real talk from Proverbs 6 on two traps that threaten your financial future: reckless responsibility (like cosigning) and passive procrastination. Whether you’ve loaned money you shouldn't have or you’ve been “resting” a little too long on your budget goals, this episode calls you to wake up, take action, and hustle with wisdom.
What You’ll Learn:
Why cosigning is often a dangerous financial decision
How Solomon compares financial passivity to a slow erosion of your future
What the ant can teach you about preparation and progress
How rest can sometimes be a cover for avoidance
Two coaching questions to check your financial diligence today
Take Action:Ask: Are you shouldering financial responsibility that isn’t yours?Identify one task you’ve been avoiding—then take action todayPray: “Lord, help me honor You with diligence, and move with wisdom, not worry.”
Mentioned in the Episode:
Learn more and get support at LegacyFinancialCoach.com
Share, subscribe, and leave a review to help others break free financially
Proverbs 6 (English Standard Version)
1 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor,have given your pledge for a stranger,2 if you are snared in the words of your mouth,caught in the words of your mouth,3 then do this, my son, and save yourself,for you have come into the hand of your neighbor:go, hasten, and plead urgently with your neighbor.4 Give your eyes no sleepand your eyelids no slumber;5 save yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,like a bird from the hand of the fowler.
6 Go to the ant, O sluggard;consider her ways, and be wise.7 Without having any chief,officer, or ruler,8 she prepares her bread in summerand gathers her food in harvest.9 How long will you lie there, O sluggard?When will you arise from your sleep?10 A little sleep, a little slumber,a little folding of the hands to rest,11 and poverty will come upon you like a robber,and want like an armed man.
12 A worthless person, a wicked man,goes about with crooked speech,13 winks with his eyes, signals with his feet,points with his finger,14 with perverted heart devises evil,continually sowing discord;15 therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly;in a moment he will be broken beyond healing.
16 There are six things that the Lord hates,seven that are an abomination to him:17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,and hands that shed innocent blood,18 a heart that devises wicked plans,feet that make haste to run to evil,19 a false witness who breathes out lies,and one who sows discord among brothers.
20 My son, keep your father's commandment,and forsake not your mother's teaching.21 Bind them on your heart always;tie them around your neck.22 When you walk, they will lead you;when you lie down, they will watch over you;and when you awake, they will talk with you.23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light,and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,24 to preserve you from the evil woman,from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.25 Do not desire her beauty in your heart,and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes;26 for the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread,but a married woman hunts down a precious life.27 Can a man carry fire next to his chestand his clothes not be burned?28 Or can one walk on hot coalsand his feet not be scorched?29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife;none who touches her will go unpunished.30 People do not despise a thief if he stealsto satisfy his appetite when he is hungry,31 but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold;he will give all the goods of his house.32 He who commits adultery lacks sense;he who does it destroys himself.33 He will get wounds and dishonor,and his disgrace will not be wiped away.34 For jealousy makes a man furious,and he will not spare when he takes revenge.35 He will accept no compensation;he will refuse though you multiply gifts.
Be Free Greg   Follow Me Here: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/1legacyfinancialcoach   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legacyfinancialcoach   X - https://x.com/1legacycoach   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@legacyfinancialcoach   TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@legacyfinancialcoach  Website: https://www.legacyfinancialcoach.com/ 

Proverbs Series - Episode 5 - Pleasure vs. Puspose

Verses: Proverbs 5:3–5, 7–10
“For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil,but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword…Keep your way far from her… lest strangers take their fill of your strength, and your labors go to the house of a foreigner.”
Overview:Episode 5 takes a bold look at the seductive power of temptation—not just in relationships, but in your finances. Greg Carroll draws a powerful parallel between the forbidden woman in Proverbs 5 and the enticing voices of modern consumerism. This episode is your wake-up call to recognize the high cost of impulsive choices and reclaim your strength for purposeful living.
What You’ll Learn:
How financial temptations mirror the seductive lies described in Proverbs 5
The high cost of chasing pleasure—regret, lost resources, and emotional captivity
How advertisers manipulate your desire for status and satisfaction
Practical ways to guard against impulse spending and emotional purchases
Why protecting your purpose is more valuable than indulging in pleasure
Take Action:Identify your financial temptations—what’s your “forbidden woman”?Delete apps, unfollow accounts, or avoid websites that trigger spendingPray: “Lord, help me choose purpose over pleasure and wisdom over want.”
Mentioned in the Episode:
Visit LegacyFinancialCoach.com for coaching, tools, and support
Share, subscribe, and leave a review to help others break free financially
Proverbs 5 (English Standard Version)
1 My son, be attentive to my wisdom;incline your ear to my understanding,2 that you may keep discretion,and your lips may guard knowledge.3 For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey,and her speech is smoother than oil,4 but in the end she is bitter as wormwood,sharp as a two-edged sword.5 Her feet go down to death;her steps follow the path to Sheol;6 she does not ponder the path of life;her ways wander, and she does not know it.
7 And now, O sons, listen to me,and do not depart from the words of my mouth.8 Keep your way far from her,and do not go near the door of her house,9 lest you give your honor to othersand your years to the merciless,10 lest strangers take their fill of your strength,and your labors go to the house of a foreigner,11 and at the end of your life you groan,when your flesh and body are consumed,12 and you say, “How I hated discipline,and my heart despised reproof!13 I did not listen to the voice of my teachersor incline my ear to my instructors.14 I am at the brink of utter ruinin the assembled congregation.”
15 Drink water from your own cistern,flowing water from your own well.16 Should your springs be scattered abroad,streams of water in the streets?17 Let them be for yourself alone,and not for strangers with you.18 Let your fountain be blessed,and rejoice in the wife of your youth,19 a lovely deer, a graceful doe.Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight;be intoxicated always in her love.20 Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden womanand embrace the bosom of an adulteress?
21 For a man's ways are before the eyes of the Lord,and he ponders all his paths.22 The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him,and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.23 He dies for lack of discipline,and because of his great folly he is led astray.
Be Free Greg   Follow Me Here: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/1legacyfinancialcoach   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legacyfinancialcoach   X - https://x.com/1legacycoach   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@legacyfinancialcoach   TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@legacyfinancialcoach  Website: https://www.legacyfinancialcoach.com/ 

Proverbs Series - Episode 4 - Stay the Course

Verses: Proverbs 4:25–27
“Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.”
Overview:In Episode 4, Greg Carroll unpacks the powerful reminder from Proverbs 4 to stay focused and intentional on your financial journey. Whether it’s the pull of comparison, convenience, or comfort, we all face distractions that can derail our progress. This episode is both a caution and a challenge—to stay the course with your eyes fixed on purpose.
What You’ll Learn:
Why distractions are one of the biggest threats to financial freedom
How clarity and consistency beat hype and hustle
The importance of assigning every dollar before the month begins
How to build financial boundaries that protect your vision
A 10-minute challenge that will reveal whether you’re really staying on track
Take Action:Review your last 10 financial transactionsAsk: “Are these in line with my financial goals?”Pray: “Lord, help me stay the course. Help me fix my eyes on You and not be pulled off by distractions.”
Mentioned in the Episode:
Explore resources at LegacyFinancialCoach.com
Subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast to impact others!
📖 Proverbs 4 (ESV)
1 Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction,and be attentive, that you may gain insight,2 for I give you good precepts;do not forsake my teaching.3 When I was a son with my father,tender, the only one in the sight of my mother,4 he taught me and said to me,“Let your heart hold fast my words;keep my commandments, and live.5 Get wisdom; get insight;do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.6 Do not forsake her, and she will keep you;love her, and she will guard you.7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,and whatever you get, get insight.8 Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;she will honor you if you embrace her.9 She will place on your head a graceful garland;she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”
10 Hear, my son, and accept my words,that the years of your life may be many.11 I have taught you the way of wisdom;I have led you in the paths of uprightness.12 When you walk, your step will not be hampered,and if you run, you will not stumble.13 Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;guard her, for she is your life.
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked,and do not walk in the way of the evil.15 Avoid it; do not go on it;turn away from it and pass on.16 For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong;they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.17 For they eat the bread of wickednessand drink the wine of violence.18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,which shines brighter and brighter until full day.19 The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;they do not know over what they stumble.
20 My son, be attentive to my words;incline your ear to my sayings.21 Let them not escape from your sight;keep them within your heart.22 For they are life to those who find them,and healing to all their flesh.23 Keep your heart with all vigilance,for from it flow the springs of life.24 Put away from you crooked speech,and put devious talk far from you.25 Let your eyes look directly forward,and your gaze be straight before you.26 Ponder the path of your feet;then all your ways will be sure.27 Do not swerve to the right or to the left;turn your foot away from evil.
Be Free Greg   Follow Me Here: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/1legacyfinancialcoach   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legacyfinancialcoach   X - https://x.com/1legacycoach   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@legacyfinancialcoach   TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@legacyfinancialcoach  Website: https://www.legacyfinancialcoach.com/ 

Proverbs Series - Episode 3 - Trust Over Tactics

Episode 3 – Trust Over Tactics
Verses: Proverbs 3:5–6, 9–10
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding…Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”
Overview:Episode 3 unpacks one of the most quoted—but least applied—truths in personal finance: trust in the Lord over your own understanding. Greg challenges us to stop relying solely on spreadsheets, income, and financial strategies—and instead place our full trust in God. This episode is a call to surrender, honor God with your best, and invite Him into every corner of your financial life.
What You’ll Learn:
Why trusting God is more powerful than perfect planning
How obedience—not just giving—unlocks peace and provision
A breakdown of what it means to honor God with your “firstfruits”
The difference between tithing out of comfort vs. conviction
How Greg’s personal shift toward total trust transformed his path
Take Action:📖 Read Proverbs 3 and highlight how “trust” shows up in your financial life📝 Ask: “Am I trusting the plan—or the Person behind the plan?”🙏 Reflect and realign your giving, planning, or spending to honor God first
Mentioned in the Episode:
Coaching & tools at LegacyFinancialCoach.com
 
Be Free Greg   Follow Me Here: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/1legacyfinancialcoach   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legacyfinancialcoach   X - https://x.com/1legacycoach   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@legacyfinancialcoach   TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@legacyfinancialcoach  Website: https://www.legacyfinancialcoach.com/ 

Proverbs Series - Episode 2 - Seek it Like Treasure, Guard it Like Gold

Episode 2 – Seek It Like Treasure, Guard It Like Gold
Verses: Proverbs 2:4–5, 10–11
“If you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God…For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you.”
Overview:In Episode 2, Greg Carroll dives into Proverbs 2 to show us that wisdom isn't just valuable—it’s vital. We’re called to seek wisdom like treasure and guard it like gold. That’s not just good advice—it’s a spiritual strategy for financial health. Today’s episode tackles the heart behind our money habits and how wisdom can become a shield against fear, envy, and impulsive decisions.
What You’ll Learn:
Why wisdom must be pursued with urgency—like a treasure hunt
The emotional roots behind overspending, debt, and impulsive buying
How God’s wisdom can guard your heart and your wallet
A powerful prayer and exercise to reflect on Proverbs 2
The link between spiritual discipline and financial peace
Take Action:🔍 Open Proverbs 2 and highlight every action verb (seek, search, listen, receive)🙏 Pray: “Lord, help me treasure Your wisdom more than wealth. Guard my heart—and guide my steps.”➡️ Ask yourself: “Am I chasing financial answers, or godly wisdom?”
Mentioned in the Episode:
Coaching and resources available at LegacyFinancialCoach.com
Be Free Greg   Follow Me Here: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/1legacyfinancialcoach   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legacyfinancialcoach   X - https://x.com/1legacycoach   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@legacyfinancialcoach   TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@legacyfinancialcoach  Website: https://www.legacyfinancialcoach.com/ 

Proverbs Series - Episode 1 – Wisdom is Wealth

Episode 1 – Wisdom is Wealth
Verse: Proverbs 1:7
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Overview:Welcome to Episode 1 of Beyond the Budget: Proverbs Edition, where biblical wisdom meets your financial reality. In today’s episode, Greg Carroll unpacks the foundational truth that wisdom—not wealth—is the starting point for lasting financial peace. From personal stories to spiritual insight, you’ll learn why money problems are often rooted in a wisdom gap, not a math one.
What You’ll Learn:
Why fearing the Lord is the foundation of financial transformation
The hidden cost of ignoring wise instruction
How Greg’s own financial missteps became turning points
Why surrender—not spreadsheets—is the first step toward breakthrough
A practical challenge to help you grow in financial wisdom today
Take Action:📖 Read Proverbs 1🙏 Ask God for wisdom—out loud📝 Reflect on areas where you're ignoring instruction➡️ Take one small step today that reflects wisdom—not impulse
Mentioned in the Episode:
Learn more at LegacyFinancialCoach.com
Be Free Greg   Follow Me Here: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/1legacyfinancialcoach   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legacyfinancialcoach   X - https://x.com/1legacycoach   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@legacyfinancialcoach   TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@legacyfinancialcoach  Website: https://www.legacyfinancialcoach.com/ 

7 - Crushing Debt - Strategies to Pay It Off for Good

🎙️ Beyond the Budget – Episode 7: Crushing Debt – Strategies to Pay It Off for Good
Duration: 10–12 minutesHost: Greg, Legacy Financial Coaching
💥 Episode Overview
Debt doesn't just impact your wallet—it impacts your freedom, your peace of mind, and your future. In this episode of Beyond the Budget, we’re diving deep into two of the most powerful debt payoff strategies: the Debt Snowball and the Debt Avalanche.
You’ll learn how each one works, which one may be best for your personality and situation, and how to get started—because the sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll be free.
🔑 What You’ll Learn
✅ Why paying off debt is about more than math✅ How the Debt Snowball can build momentum through quick wins✅ How the Debt Avalanche saves the most money over time✅ Which method is right for you✅ Why behavior—not numbers—is the key to winning with money
📊 Debt Payoff Methods Compared
Debt Snowball– Pay off smallest balances first– Builds motivation with quick wins– Ideal if you need to feel progress early on
Debt Avalanche– Pay off highest interest debts first– Saves more in interest over time– Best for those who stay motivated by the numbers
🔁 Bottom Line: Choose the one you’ll stick with consistently—because winning with money is 80% behavior and only 20% head knowledge.
📌 Resources & Links
💡 Free & Premium Budgeting Tool: EveryDollar App
📅 Schedule Your Free Coaching Session: https://calendly.com/legacyfinancialcoach/no-cost-first-session 
📖 Article Mentioned: CBS News – 61% of Americans Live Paycheck to Paycheck
📣 Call to Action
✅ Pick a method—Snowball or Avalanche—and start today.✅ Build a monthly budget to create margin.✅ Book a no-cost consultation if you need guidance on how to begin.
Next week, we’re talking income increases—side hustles, raises, and business ideas—to help you accelerate your journey toward financial peace.
💬 If this episode helped you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s ready to crush their debt once and for all.
🎙️ See you next time on Beyond the Budget!
 
 
Be Free Greg   Follow Me Here: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/1legacyfinancialcoach   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legacyfinancialcoach   X - https://x.com/1legacycoach   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@legacyfinancialcoach   TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@legacyfinancialcoach  Website: https://www.legacyfinancialcoach.com/ 

6 - Emergency Funds 101

🎙️ Beyond the Budget – Episode 6: Emergency Funds 101
Duration: 10–12 minutesHost: Greg, Legacy Financial Coaching
💥 Episode Overview
Life happens—cars break down, medical bills show up uninvited, and your A/C might go out right in the middle of summer. In this episode, we’re talking all about emergency funds—what they are, why they matter, how much to save, and where to keep yours.
Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or well on your way, an emergency fund is your safety net. Don’t wait until disaster strikes to get prepared.
🔑 What You’ll Learn
✅ What qualifies as a true emergency✅ How much you should save (starter fund vs. fully funded)✅ Where to park your emergency savings✅ How to decide when to actually use your emergency fund✅ The 3 key questions to ask before touching your emergency stash
🛠️ Practical Steps
Start with $1,000 – your “starter fund” to keep you out of debt during emergencies.
Build up to 3–6 months of living expenses depending on your situation.
Keep it accessible but separate – a high-yield savings account is your best bet.
Don’t confuse it with other savings goals – true emergencies only!
📌 Ask Yourself Before Using Your Emergency Fund:
Is it unexpected?
Is it necessary?
Is it urgent?
If the answer to all 3 is yes, you’ve got a green light.
📲 Resources & Links
🎯 EveryDollar Budgeting App – Free and premium options availableGet $10 Off EveryDollar Premium
📈 Want personalized help building your emergency fund or crafting a debt payoff plan?Connect with me at https://calendly.com/legacyfinancialcoach/no-cost-first-session 
Nearly 60% of Americans Can't Cover a $1000 Emergency
🏁 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re setting aside your first $100 or you’re ready to tackle a fully funded emergency reserve, the most important step is to start now. Your future self will thank you.
Next week, we’re diving into debt payoff strategies—so if you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to tackle your balances, you won’t want to miss it.
📣 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it.
🎙️ See you next time on Beyond the Budget!
 
 
 
Be Free Greg   Follow Me Here: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/1legacyfinancialcoach   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legacyfinancialcoach   X - https://x.com/1legacycoach   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@legacyfinancialcoach   TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@legacyfinancialcoach  Website: https://www.legacyfinancialcoach.com/ 

5 - Fuel for Your Plan!

Beyond the Budget – Episode 5: Fuel for Your Plan
🎙️ Host: Greg, Your Legacy Coach
⏱️ Duration: 10-12 minutes
Episode Overview
In today’s episode, we’re talking about the fuel that drives your financial plan—setting financial goals. Without clear goals, your budget is just numbers on a page. But with goals? It becomes a powerful tool to help you achieve the life you want.
Did you know that people who set clear financial goals are 10 times more likely to succeed? 🚀 If you’ve ever felt like financial planning is overwhelming, this episode will give you practical steps to set, break down, and achieve your financial goals.
What You'll Learn:
✅ Why people resist setting financial goals (and why that mindset is holding you back)✅ How goal-setting reduces financial stress and increases motivation✅ The SMART Goals framework for effective financial planning✅ How to break big financial goals into actionable steps✅ Real-life examples of people achieving financial freedom through goal setting
Key Takeaways:
📌 "A goal properly set is halfway reached." – Zig Ziglar📊 59% of Americans can’t cover a $1,000 emergency expense—but small financial goals can change that💰 A goal-driven budget gives you MORE freedom, not less!🔹 The SMART Goals formula: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound📖 Story Time: How setting an emergency fund goal has helped over 100 Financial Peace University students take their first step toward financial freedom
Action Step:
Write down one SMART financial goal today. Just one! Then, share it with a trusted friend, spouse, or accountability partner. Accountability is the key to success!
Resources Mentioned:
📊 Bankrate Emergency Savings Study → Read More📈 CNBC Financial Stress Survey → Read More📖 92% Don't Achieve Goals. Learn What the Other 7% Do. → Learn More📲 Need help creating your financial plan? Schedule a free strategy session with me! Click Here
Next Episode: Building Your Emergency Fund
How much do you really need? How do you start? I’ll break it all down in next week’s episode. Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!
🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs financial freedom!
💡 Be Free. – Greg, Your Legacy Coach
#BeyondTheBudget #MoneyManagement #FinancialFreedom #LegacyFinancialCoaching
 
Be Free Greg   Follow Me Here: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/1legacyfinancialcoach   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legacyfinancialcoach   X - https://x.com/1legacycoach   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@legacyfinancialcoach   TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@legacyfinancialcoach  Website: https://www.legacyfinancialcoach.com/ 

4 - Where Did My Money Go?

Episode #4 – Where Did My Money Go?
Welcome back to Beyond the Budget by Legacy Financial Coaching! In this episode, we’re diving into the foundation of any strong financial plan: taking control of your money. If you've ever felt like you're stuck in a cycle of financial emergencies, wondering where your money went at the end of the month, or struggling to make progress, this episode is for you.
I’ll walk you through:✅ How to create a simple, effective plan for your finances✅ The key steps to organizing your income and expenses✅ Common mistakes that keep people stuck—and how to avoid them✅ Why tracking your money is the “secret sauce” to financial success
Plus, I’ll share a real-life success story of a couple who transformed their financial situation and avoided debt simply by being intentional with their money.
💡 Challenge for this week: Take 20 minutes to map out your finances. You don’t need fancy tools—just a pen and paper will do!
🔗 Resources mentioned:
EveryDollar App – Get $10 off the premium version
Need personalized help? Book a free consultation
🎧 Listen now and start taking control of your finances today!
And if this episode helped you, be sure to share it with a friend and leave a review—it helps others find the show. See you next week!
#BeyondTheBudget #MoneyManagement #FinancialFreedom #LegacyFinancialCoaching
 
Be Free Greg   Follow Me Here: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/1legacyfinancialcoach   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legacyfinancialcoach   X - https://x.com/1legacycoach   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@legacyfinancialcoach   TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@legacyfinancialcoach  Website: https://www.legacyfinancialcoach.com/