Becoming a mom is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life — but let’s be honest… babies are expensive. Between setting up a nursery, stocking up on diapers, and buying all the gear, costs add up fast.

(And Honestly, I Don’t Miss Them)

I used to waste so much money on little things that didn’t really matter — and I didn’t even realize how much it added up until I started tracking my spending. Once I became more intentional with my money, I realized I could make a few small shifts that would save me over $300 a month without feeling deprived.

In 2018, the same year I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, my now-husband and I bought our first home together. It was exciting, terrifying, and one of the biggest milestones of our lives so far.

We weren’t making six figures. We didn’t have massive savings. And honestly, the idea of becoming homeowners at that stage in life felt overwhelming. But with research, intention, and the right resources, we made it happen — and I want to share exactly how we did it.

We live in a time where it feels like everyone is constantly refreshing their wardrobes, homes, and lifestyles. Scroll through social media, and you’re flooded with endless haul videos, “must-buy” lists, and perfectly curated spaces.

Over the past seven years, I have been on a roller coaster of decluttering, shopping, paying down debt at what felt like a glacially slow pace at times.

(Even If It’s Months, Years, or Decades Down the Road)

Paying off debt can feel like running a marathon with no finish line in sight. When you’re staring at balances that will take months, years, or even decades to pay off, it’s easy to lose motivation.