Making a Plan: Because Apparently ‘Winging It’ Isn’t a Financial Strategy

November 19, 2025

If there’s one thing we’ve learned since joining Project Money, it’s this:

When life feels scattered, money usually feels scattered too.

As someone with an ADHD brain and a calendar full of lists, half-lists, and “plans” that sometimes only exist in my head, I used to think financial organization was just another thing I’d get to on the list. Winging it had been going ok so far, or has it? At our last meeting, our financial coach said something that really resonated with us.

“You’ll either have a plan for how you’re spending your money that day… or the universe will make one for you.” – Jess (our Project Money coach)

And wow, did that hit home. Basically, you either walk out of your door with a plan, or you will end up spending money in all sorts of places you didn’t realize you would. This is especially true for us with the three kids and unplanned Kwik Trip stops! When a quick errand run turns into an all-day affair, and you didn’t pack lunch, hot spot here we come…

Organization = Freedom

We always thought being organized meant being rigid. But we are starting to see it differently.
Being organized, especially with money, isn’t about restriction. It’s about freedom.

Now that we’re tracking what we spend and actually planning not only where our money goes but also planning our days out to make sure we are prepared, we feel like we are getting a handle on knocking out our miscellaneous petty spending. My ADHD brain loves novelty and spontaneity, but without structure, that “spontaneity” always came with guilt or stress. A quick Target run, an impulse activity for the kids, an unplanned dinner out, $20 here, $40 there, and suddenly we are confused why our credit card bill was so high.

With Project Money, we don’t feel trapped by budgeting or planning. We feel supported by it.

Becoming Better Parents Through Better Finances

One of the most unexpected gifts from this program has nothing to do with numbers.

Since we started organizing our finances and reducing stress, we’ve noticed we’re better parents.
When money anxiety isn’t leaking into every part of your day, you suddenly have more bandwidth: more patience, more energy, more presence with our kids.

It’s not that money solves parenting; it’s that the stress of money and having your main topic of conflict being money can quietly shape everything. And removing that stress and conflict has helped us show up for our kids the way we’ve always wanted to.

Redefining What Money Means in Our Family

Something interesting we talked about during our meeting is how our culture is redefining money, especially around kids and social events.

Take birthday parties, for example.

There’s this pressure to go big: fancy venues, themed decorations, Pinterest level everything. But we’re learning to rethink what’s necessary and what actually matters. Instead of trying to keep up with a social standard designed by Instagram, we’re asking simpler questions:

Does this bring joy?
Is this meaningful?
Does the cost line up with our values?

Our son's birthday is coming up, and it's always tough when it comes to money, with it being so close to the holidays. We are excited this year to be teaching our kids that fun doesn’t have to be expensive; it’s the company that you get to enjoy these special events with that leaves us with lasting memories.

This Journey Is Just Beginning…

We’re still figuring this out. I still make lists I forget about, lose track of a plan, or make an impulsive purchase. But now, we have tools and support and a coach who reminds us that financial freedom is built from small, intentional steps, not perfection.

Project Money is already helping our family more than we imagined, not just in our bank account, but in our daily life, our relationship, and how we show up for our kids.

And this is only the beginning.