Ask Crystal: How to budget in a transitional season?

2 hours ago 1

Throughout the year, I’m regularly answering questions on money and/or budgeting. If you have a question you’d love for me to answer in an upcoming post, please submit it here.

This week’s question is:

My husband just lost his job and I’m mostly a SAHM (occasionally have a part-time job). That’s not the weird part! The weird part is that we’re about to sell our house, and when we do, we’ll have about $100,000 in the bank. We’ve signed a lease to rent a house for the next year. We’ll be empty nesters in 5 years, so we’re taking it one year at a time.

How do I figure out how to budget, what our income is, etc.? I can figure out basic expenses, but where do I go from there? -Debi

First of all, thank you for your vulnerability in sharing your situation. I know there are so many women reading this right now who are in the middle of uncertainty, too — whether from a job loss, a move, or just stepping into a new season of life. You’re not alone and I’m sure others will appreciate your vulnerability, too.

What you’re describing is something called a transitional budget season. This is a time when your income is unpredictable, but you do have some resources available (like that $100,000 from selling your house). You’re also looking ahead to becoming empty nesters, which adds another layer of change. But here’s the good news: this doesn’t have to be a scary season; in fact, I believe it can actually be a really empowering one.

How to Budget in a Transitional Season

Let’s talk about how to take that sense of “I don’t know where to start” and turn it into a plan you can feel confident in.

1. Start With What You Know

I often say: “Start with what you have.” In reading your question, I realized you already have more clarity than you maybe realize:

You know your basic expenses.
You know you’ll be renting for the next year.
You know you have $100,000 as a cushion.
You know your husband is currently unemployed, and you have occasional part-time work.

That’s a powerful foundation. You’re not starting from scratch; you’re starting with awareness.

2. Put Every Dollar to Work — Even the Savings

Even though you’re sitting on a large sum of money, resist the urge to treat it like a bottomless pit. (Even $100K can disappear quickly without a plan!)

Here’s what I’d recommend:

Create a written monthly budget with your regular expenses — rent, food, utilities, insurance, gas, etc. Estimate high if you’re not sure.
Divide the $100K into categories:
- Emergency Fund (at least 6 months of living expenses)
- Job Search Fund (resume help, classes, and travel if needed)
- Living Expenses (cover any shortfall between income and spending)
- Health Insurance/Medical
- One-Time Costs (move-in fees, car repairs, kids’ needs, etc.)
- “Holding Fund” — money you set aside that you don’t touch unless truly necessary.

Then (and this is key!) treat your monthly budget as if you’re living on your current income (even if that’s just part-time work right now), not on the savings. You can draw from the savings to cover gaps, but doing it this way will help you stay intentional instead of reactive.

3. Look for Opportunities to Earn and Stretch

This is the season to get creative instead of panicking or feeling stressed! Things to consider:

Can you pick up a few extra hours at your part-time job?
Could your husband explore gig work or freelance options temporarily while job-hunting?
Are there things you can sell or cut back on for a season?
Is there a way to use your time at home to start something from scratch? (I share a lot of ideas over on my WAHMCoach Instagram account!)

Remember: Every little bit helps. Even $100 here or there can stretch your timeline, reduce your stress, and make you feel more in control.

4. Plan in 3-Month Increments

You mentioned taking things one year at a time. I love that and I’d zoom in even more and create a 3-month “Mini Plan.” Sit down with your husband and go through the following questions together:

What do we want to accomplish in the next 90 days?
How much of our savings are we willing to use this quarter?
What income goals or job milestones are realistic?
What will success look like in this short window?

This keeps things from feeling overwhelming and allows you to pivot without panic.

5. Don’t Just Budget Money. Budget Hope.

This part might surprise you, but I think it’s just as important as the numbers. In a season of unknowns, it’s easy to let fear take the wheel. Instead, I encourage you to budget margin for peace, faith, and joy:

Carve out a little money or time each week for something life-giving — a coffee date, a walk, a library book, a moment of beauty.
Practice gratitude. (Even just writing down one thing you’re thankful for can shift your whole mindset.)
Remind yourself: This is a season. It won’t be forever. You’re walking through it, not staying stuck in it.

You’ve got a solid start, and now it’s just about creating a realistic, values-based plan. Know that I’m over here cheering for you and can’t wait to see what the next few years bring for you!

Psst! I created a resource that might help: The One-Hour Budget — it’s a simple guide to help you create a workable budget, even if life feels unpredictable. You can grab it here and have a plan in place today.

Ask Crystal: How to budget in a transitional season?