Table of Contents

• Website

• Blog

• Glossary of Key Terms

• Transcript

Website

• https://www.breannacolon.com/

• https://linktr.ee/iambreannacolon

Blog

How to Change Your Financial Future with Simple Habits — Lessons from Brianna Colon

Struggling with your money and not sure where to start? You’re not alone — and you’ll definitely want to hear this! In our latest episode of About That Wallet, I had the chance to sit down with Brianna Colon, a three-time author and champion for financial education, to talk about real-life money management and how to shift into true financial freedom.

Brianna wastes no time breaking down a common myth: being "broke" isn’t always about your income — it’s about how you manage your cash flow. Without a solid budgeting plan, you could be setting yourself up for financial stress, even if you make good money. A written budget (yes, written!) is one of the simplest and most powerful tools for building financial security and improving your family finances.

One of the most inspiring parts of the episode? Brianna shares how prayer and finances go hand in hand in her journey. From navigating the ups and downs of finding a new home to making tough financial choices, she talks about how faith, patience, and smart financial planning can lead to better outcomes.

We also dive into the real culprit behind many financial struggles: emotional spending. Brianna explains how small, impulsive purchases — especially dining out or shopping — can throw off your budget. She walks listeners through simple steps like reviewing your bank statements to spot patterns and build better savings strategies.

One of my favorite takeaways from our conversation is Brianna’s motto:"Change your mind, change your money, change your life."This speaks to the heart of what it takes to reach your financial goals: a real mindset shift. Whether you’re tackling debt management, working toward retirement planning, or building a plan for wealth building, everything starts with changing how you think about money.

If you’re part of the sandwich generation — caring for kids and aging parents — Brianna also shares critical advice about financial habits that help protect your household. From setting clear financial expectations to discussing future care needs, it’s all about strengthening your financial security today to avoid surprises tomorrow.

Bottom line: financial freedom is 100% possible.It just takes a commitment to better money stewardship, smart planning, and a willingness to stay focused on what matters most.

Ready to take charge of your finances?🎧 Tune in now and start your journey to real financial empowerment today!

Glossary of Key Terms

• Written Budget: A detailed plan that outlines expected income and expenses over a specific period, used as a tool for managing money effectively.

• Cash Flow: The total amount of money being transferred into and out of a business, especially as affecting liquidity. In personal finance, it refers to the movement of money in and out of your accounts.

• Savage Generation: A term used by the "About That Wallet" podcast host, Anthony Weaver, likely referring to a generation that is determined and proactive about building financial habits.

• Spiritual Aspect (of finances): The belief that one's faith and relationship with a higher power can directly influence financial decisions and outcomes, including prayer and seeking divine guidance.

• Military Family: A family in which at least one member serves in the armed forces, often facing unique challenges such as frequent moves and adjusting to new locations.

• King's Kids: A term used by Brianna Colon, reflecting a Christian belief that as children of God ("the King"), they possess a certain authority and don't have to operate under worldly pressures or limitations.

• Stewardship (Financial): The responsible management of resources, in this context, managing money and possessions in a way that is considered responsible and aligned with one's values or beliefs.

• Mindset (Financial): An individual's beliefs, attitudes, and perspectives regarding money, wealth, and financial management, which can significantly impact their financial habits and outcomes.

• Money Strategy: A plan or set of techniques designed to manage, save, and invest money effectively to achieve specific financial goals.

• Root Issues (of financial problems): The underlying behavioral patterns, beliefs, or systemic factors that contribute to ongoing financial difficulties, rather than just the surface-level symptoms.

• Band-aid (Financial): A temporary or superficial solution to a financial problem that does not address the underlying cause, such as filing for bankruptcy without changing spending habits.

• Sandwich Generation: Individuals who are simultaneously supporting their aging parents and their own children, often facing significant financial and caregiving responsibilities.

• Debit Card User: Someone who primarily uses a debit card for transactions, which directly withdraws money from their bank account.

• Cash and Carry: A method of spending where individuals primarily use physical cash for purchases, allowing for more immediate awareness of spending.

• Homework Process: A structured exercise assigned to clients by financial advisors, such as analyzing bank statements, to help them gain insights into their financial behavior.

• Emotional Spending: Making purchasing decisions based on feelings rather than needs or a budget, often as a response to stress, boredom, or other emotions.

• Planning Tool (Financial): Any instrument or method used to organize and strategize about finances, such as a budget, financial software, or a financial advisor.

• Emergency Fund: A savings account specifically designated to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, such as job loss or medical bills.

• Saving with Intention: Setting clear financial goals and actively allocating money towards savings with a specific purpose and timeline in mind.

• Goal Date: A specific date set for achieving a financial goal, providing a target for saving or investing.

• Devalue Savings: To treat saving money as less important than other financial obligations or desires, often resulting in inconsistent or insufficient saving.

• Lump Sum of Money: A single, large payment received at one time, such as a tax refund, inheritance, or bonus.

• Cash Reserve: Funds readily available in liquid accounts (like savings or checking) to cover immediate expenses, often used interchangeably with emergency fund.

• Peace of Mind Package: A term used by Brianna Colon to describe a significant cash reserve (12 months of necessity expenses) that provides a sense of security and reduces financial anxiety.

• Liquid Cash: Money that is easily accessible and can be converted to cash quickly without significant loss in value.

• Financial Plan: A comprehensive strategy that outlines an individual's current financial situation, goals, and the steps needed to achieve them, encompassing budgeting, saving, investing, and risk management.

• Retirement Plan: A financial strategy specifically focused on accumulating funds and planning for financial security during retirement.

• Positioning (to have choice): Arranging one's finances in a way that provides the flexibility and resources to make decisions and pursue opportunities without being constrained by financial limitations.

• Assisted Living Facility: A residential community that provides housing, meals, and personal care services for individuals who need some assistance with daily activities but do not require full-time nursing care.

• Caregiver (In-home): An individual hired to provide assistance and support with daily activities, personal care, and sometimes medical needs in a person's home.

• Long Term Care Policy: An insurance policy designed to cover the costs of long-term care services, such as nursing home stays, assisted living, or in-home care.

• Retirement Assets: Investments and savings specifically designated for funding retirement, such as 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, and other retirement accounts.

• Suite on the Main Floor: A living space within a home, often including a bedroom and bathroom, located on the ground floor, potentially designed for accessibility or to accommodate aging parents.

• Will: A legal document that specifies how a person's assets and property should be distributed after their death.

• Estate Planning: The process of arranging for the management and disposal of one's estate during their life and after death, often involving wills, trusts, and power of attorney.

• Life Insurance Policy: A contract that provides a financial payout to beneficiaries upon the death of the insured individual, offering financial protection for dependents.

• Executor (of an estate): The person named in a will to carry out the instructions of the will and manage the deceased person's estate.

• Deficiency (Financial): A lack or inadequacy in financial resources or planning, such as insufficient savings or a lack of a will.

• Dialogue (Financial): Open and honest communication about financial matters, particularly within families, to ensure understanding and preparedness.

• Vision (Financial): A clear mental picture or idea of one's desired future financial state or goals, which can serve as motivation and guidance for financial planning and action.

• Materialize (Financially): To make a financial goal or vision become a reality through planning, effort, and sometimes unexpected opportunities.

• Vision Board: A visual tool, often a collage of images and words, representing one's goals and aspirations, including financial ones, used for motivation and visualization.

• Visualize: To form a mental image of something, especially something not present or real, often used in the context of manifesting goals.

• Financial Advisor: A professional who provides guidance and recommendations on financial planning, investments, insurance, and other financial matters to help individuals achieve their financial goals.

• Wealth: In this context, defined by Brianna Colon as the ability to live life on one's own terms continuously, having the freedom and resources to do what one wants, when they want.

• Pinching Pennies: Being very careful with money and trying to spend as little as possible.

• Work Optional: A state where an individual's financial resources are sufficient to cover their living expenses and desired lifestyle without needing to earn income from a job, providing the freedom to choose whether or not to work.

• Cultural Thing (Financial): Financial habits, beliefs, or attitudes that are passed down within a family or community, sometimes hindering effective money management.

• Generational Curses (Financial): Negative financial patterns or habits that are transmitted from one generation to the next within a family, often due to a lack of financial education or modeling of poor behavior.

• Accountable (Financially): Being responsible for one's financial actions and decisions, often involving tracking spending, adhering to a budget, and being transparent about financial matters.

• Trickled Down: To be passed on from one person or generation to another, often referring to the transmission of financial habits or knowledge.

• Adjustments and Strategies: Changes made to financial habits, spending, and planning, along with implementing specific methods or plans, to improve financial outcomes.

Transcript