HI. My name is elissa.
And I am able to be a mostly stay-at-home mom because of the financial decisions we made years ago.
And I am here to help you do the same.
About Grounded and Gaining
My Journey to Financial Freedom as a Stay-at-Home Mom
I believe that financial freedom is possible—even on one income. If you’re a stay-at-home mom trying to figure out how to make ends meet, pay off debt, and build a more secure future for your family, you’ve found your financial companion.
✓ Family friendly budgeting strategies
✓ Beginner friendly investing
✓ Flexible side hustles for moms
From Debt to Freedom: Our Family’s Story
When my husband and I got married, we were drowning in $120,000 of student loan debt. Not only were we financially stressed, but we weren’t on the same page about managing our money. We knew nothing about investing, creating wealth, or making interest work for us instead of against us.
What changed everything? We committed to learning together and creating our own path forward. The financial decisions we made early in our marriage set us up to live comfortably on (mostly) one income today.
I knew I wanted to be home with my children instead of sending them to childcare. What I didn’t realize was that the financial habits I developed before having kids would make that dream possible.
We Found Our Way…
Through strategic budgeting, smart investing, and flexible side hustles, I found ways to:
- Stretch our single income further than we thought possible
- Systematically eliminate our six-figure debt
- Build savings that give us peace of mind
- Create additional income streams that don’t take me away from my children
And now, I’m here to help you do the same!
what you’ll find here
At Grounded and Gaining
My mission is to give you practical tools, actionable tips, and the confidence to take control of your finances. I share resources specifically designed for stay-at-home moms who want financial security without sacrificing family time.
The Financial Tools You Need
01
Family-Friendly Budgeting Strategies
Learn how to create and stick to a budget that makes every dollar count while still enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
02
Flexible Side Hustle Ideas for Moms
Explore income opportunities that work around nap times and don’t require childcare.
03
Beginner-Friendly Investing Guidance
Discover how to start building wealth for your family’s future—even with limited funds and zero experience.
04
Debt Payoff Plans That Actually Work
Get step-by-step guidance to break free from debt without feeling deprived.
Why This Matters
I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to support a family on one income. The constant worry about money can steal the joy from motherhood—but it doesn’t have to be this way.
You don’t have to choose between being present for your children and financial security. With the right strategies, you can have both.
I’m still learning and growing on this journey, and I’d love for you to join me. Together, we can make intentional financial decisions that allow you to:
- Stress less about money
- Build long-term security for your family
- Enjoy the precious years at home with your children
Let’s make your money work for you—one smart decision at a time.
Get To Know Me
01
Home State
I was born and raised in MN. I have lived in OR and CO but my heart and family brought me back to MN and I love it here!
02
Mom to Two Boys
They are polar opposites. And I really feel like a boy mom at heart. I love watching their relationship grow.
03
I Love Baking Sourdough
I acquired a starter when I was 36 weeks pregnant with my second child. Keeping a starter alive felt like a third child but I have really developed a love for baking.
04
Biggest Money Lesson
You have to budget yourselves in some fun money. We didn’t do this initially and it came with a backlash of spending after we had all our debt paid. We now make sure we have fun money.
05
I Have Been Married for 14 Years
I met my husband when I was in graduate school and knew I wanted to marry him within a month of dating. We have definitely had some bumps in the road but it makes our relationship that much more beautiful.
06
How I Spend My Free Time
Truthfully there isn’t much of that these days. But I have recently fallen in love with sauna and cold plunge so I am trying to get more of that in my life.
