Finding Balance, Side Hustles, and Panic Cleaning

July 16, 2025

Over the past couple of months, Marco and I have discovered just how much of a game-changer our monthly check-ins with our financial coach, Jess, have become. Instead of just wondering where our money went, we’re finally understanding where it’s going—and why. Having that regular time carved out has made such a big difference in how we communicate and plan.

Because of that success, we decided to try something new: weekly check-ins, just the two of us. The idea is to have smaller, more frequent conversations so we can stay connected and in sync—especially when we’re not totally on the same page. That way, we know what to bring up during our next session with Jess.

Jess loved the idea and gave us a great tip: try having these talks somewhere outside of the home. She pointed out that being in a neutral setting—like a coffee shop—can make money conversations feel lighter. Being at home can sometimes bring up old arguments or stress, even if it’s unspoken. Getting out of that environment helps us to stay focused on the future, not the past. Plus, it’s a great excuse for some quality time together!
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Side Hustles & Small Wins
On the money-making side, Marco and I have been hustling. He’s been building furniture, and we’ve been scouring Facebook Marketplace for antiques and unique finds we can flip. Even small profits help right now, and it feels good to be actively working toward our goals.

At first, we were putting every bit of extra cash straight toward debt. But after talking it through with our financial coach, we realized we needed a better balance. Paying off debt is important, yes—but so is having a savings buffer so we’re not back to using credit cards when winter rolls around and Marco’s construction work slows down.

That mindset shift was huge. It’s not just about getting out of debt; it’s about building a system that actually works for us and gives us peace of mind.
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Cleaning for the Cameras...and Clarity
This week brought something unexpected: WKOW came to our house for our first Project Money interview. I won’t lie—I panic-cleaned for days. With three kids, our home usually falls somewhere between “comfortably lived-in” and “full-on chaos.”

But the silver lining? The deep clean helped us declutter. We donated or sold a bunch of things we didn’t need anymore. And it wasn’t just about the few extra dollars we made—it was about the mental clarity we gained. A cleaner, more organized space feels less overwhelming and helps us see what we already have (which means fewer unnecessary purchases!).

Letting go of those “had to have it” items sometimes feels like admitting defeat. But we’re learning that donating them can actually feel like freedom when you are able to let go of the guilt of buying them in the first place. It’s a win for someone else—and for us.
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This Journey Isn’t Linear—and That’s Okay
One of the biggest takeaways so far? Financial growth isn’t a straight path. We’ve taken unexpected turns, and honestly, those shifts have brought benefits we didn’t even know to look for—stronger communication, shared goals, and a better understanding of how we each think about money.

Whether we win Project Money or not, we’re already walking away with tools and habits that will stick with us for life. And that, to us, feels like the biggest win of all.

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🎧 Want to dig deeper into how your space and mindset impact your money?

Check out this awesome episode of Summit Credit Union’s Money Smarts podcast:
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It’s a 20-minute listen about how simplifying your surroundings can help create peace, not just mentally, but financially too. If you’re on a journey like ours, it’s well worth a listen.

Here’s to progress, not perfection!
— Marco & Dawn