As we head into 2026, I want to start with an honest question:
How do you feel about your money right now?

If you feel stressed, unsure, behind, or frustrated—you are not alone. I coach individuals and couples every day who make good money but still feel like they’re barely staying afloat. Most of the time, the problem isn’t income—it’s clarity, consistency, and behavior.
The good news is this: winning with money in 2026 doesn’t require complex strategies or extreme sacrifice. It requires proven principles, applied intentionally.
Below are the best practices I walk my clients through when they’re ready to experience real financial peace.
1. Budget Every Dollar Before the Month Begins
Clarity always comes before confidence.
One of the very first questions I ask clients is:
“Are you budgeting, or are you just tracking transactions?”
A budget is not something you look at after the fact. A budget is a plan you create before the month starts, where every dollar is assigned a job.
This is what we call a zero-based budget—and it’s foundational to financial success.
Why this matters
- Unassigned dollars disappear
- Lack of clarity creates anxiety
- Intentional planning creates peace
When you tell your money where to go, you stop wondering where it went.
Ramsey Tip:
I recommend using the EveryDollar app, which is designed specifically for zero-based budgeting. It’s simple, intuitive, and keeps everything in one place.
2. Track Spending Daily (Otherwise, It Turns Into an Autopsy)
Stay engaged so small issues don’t become big problems
I strongly recommend tracking your spending every single day.
If you don’t, budgeting turns into an autopsy at the end of the month. You’re no longer adjusting—you’re just analyzing what went wrong after the damage is done.
Why daily tracking works
- Keeps you emotionally connected to your plan
- Allows quick course correction
- Prevents overspending from snowballing
Daily tracking doesn’t take long—but it makes a massive difference.
Ramsey Tip:
The EveryDollar app makes daily tracking fast and easy, especially when synced with your accounts.
3. Plan for “Unexpected Expected” Expenses
Surprises aren’t emergencies when you plan ahead.
Many people tell me they’re constantly hit with financial emergencies. Most of the time, these expenses were completely predictable.Things like:
- Car repairs and maintenance
- Water and utility bills
- HOA dues
- Annual or quarterly payments
I call these unexpected expected expenses—and they should never derail your budget.
The solution: Sinking funds
Sinking funds allow you to save monthly for known expenses so the money is already there when the bill comes.
Ramsey Tip:
Planning ahead keeps you out of debt and reduces stress.
4. Reduce Expenses With Purpose (Not Guilt)
Cut what doesn’t matter so you can fund what does
Expense reduction doesn’t mean cutting out all joy—it means being intentional. I’ll often ask clients:
“Do you really need that daily coffee out?”
It’s not about coffee. It’s about patterns.
Where I see the biggest leaks
- Subscriptions
- Eating out without a plan
- Convenience spending
- Lifestyle creep
Ramsey Tip:
Small changes done consistently can free up hundreds—or thousands—of dollars per year.
5. Talk About Money Regularly—Especially as a Couple
Financial unity builds relational strength
One of the most important questions I ask couples is:
“How often do you talk about money?”
Avoiding money conversations doesn’t reduce stress—it increases it.
Weekly money meetings matter
- Align goals
- Prevent resentment
- Build trust and teamwork
Ramsey Tip:
Budgeting should be a shared mission, not a source of conflict.
6. Master Meal Planning to Protect Your Budget
A plan for food is a plan for peace.
Food is one of the most common budget busters I see—not because people overspend at the grocery store, but because they don’t plan. When there’s no plan, eating out becomes the default.
Why meal planning works
- Reduces impulse spending
- Saves time and energy
- Supports healthier choices
Ramsey Tip:
A simple weekly meal plan can save hundreds of dollars per month.
7. Remember: Money Is 80% Behavior and 20% Numbers
Transformation happens when behavior changes.
This is something I say often because it’s true:
Money is emotional!
The math matters—but behavior matters more.
That’s why coaching works. I don’t just help you with numbers; I help you understand why you do what you do with money—and how to change it.
What coaching addresses
- Emotional spending triggers
- Financial avoidance
- Fear, shame, and stress around money
Long-term success comes from consistent behavior change, not quick fixes.
What Winning With Money in 2026 Can Look Like
When these principles are applied consistently, I see:
- Lower stress and anxiety
- Stronger marriages
- Increased margin and flexibility
- Generational life change
Winning with money isn’t about getting rich. It’s about living with peace, purpose, and confidence—so you can be a blessing to others.
Ready to Win With Money in 2026?
If you want clarity, confidence, and a clear plan for your money in 2026, a free coaching session is the best place to start.
I’ll help you:
- Create a clear plan for your money in 2026
- Build a zero-based budget that actually works
- Strengthen your finances as a couple—strengthening your relationship
- Identify your financial goals and stay accountable to them
If money is causing stress or anxiety in your life, you don’t have to stay there. I’d be honored to help you win with money—so you can win in every other area of life.
👉 Schedule your free session today!
