CEO Donna Anderson with glasses and a business suit standing in a conference room with a blurred whiteboard and red chairs in the background.

Welcome to Smart Spending Lab

Money Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated. Start With the Basics

Smart Spending Lab makes money basics easier to understand. We provide simple, practical financial education for people who want to learn how to budget, manage everyday spending, build savings, and make more confident financial decisions. Whether you are just starting out or starting over, the goal is to help you understand your money one step at a time.

About Smart Spending Lab

Smart Spending Lab was created by Donna Anderson to make basic financial education more approachable and practical. Donna understands what it feels like to rebuild financially. More than 40 years ago, after leaving an abusive relationship and spending time in a women’s shelter with her children, she had to learn how to manage money and create financial stability for her family.

That experience shaped the purpose of Smart Spending Lab: to provide straightforward financial education for people who may not know where to begin.

Our Mission 

Our mission is to help people build a stronger financial foundation by making budgeting and everyday money management easier to understand. We focus on practical skills that can help individuals take greater control of their finances, make informed choices, and work toward greater financial stability.

What We Offer

  • A diverse group of students attentively listening in a classroom with notebooks and laptops in front of them.

    Learn the Money Basics

    You do not need to be a financial expert to make better decisions with your money. Smart Spending Lab focuses on practical, everyday skills that can help you understand where your money goes and build a stronger financial foundation.

    Learn the basics of budgeting, needs versus wants, everyday spending, saving, managing debt, and setting realistic financial goals.

  • Two women having a discussion at a table with a laptop, papers, and a coffee mug in front of a window.

    Free Tools to Help You Get Started

    Sometimes the hardest part of budgeting is simply knowing where to begin. Smart Spending Lab offers free, easy-to-use budgeting worksheets to help you see your income, expenses, and spending more clearly.

    Choose a weekly worksheet if you prefer to manage your money one week at a time, or use the monthly and annual worksheet to see your finances across the entire year.

Free Budget Worksheets

Testimonials

  • A professional headshot of an older woman with shoulder-length gray hair, wearing a purple blazer and silver jewelry, smiling softly against a dark background.

    "Congratulations, Donna, on launching Mobile Consultations, LLC. Your dedication and financial expertise will undoubtedly provide valuable insights and positively impact the community. Your past success and commitment will continue to benefit those you serve."

    Barbara B. Hines, President & Chief Executive Officer, QueensCare

  • A woman with braided hair smiling at the camera, wearing hoop earrings and a white top, with purple lighting in the background.

    "Donna is one of the most intelligent and passionate women I know, dedicated to serving underserved populations. She managed the Mobile Dental Program in partnership with Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC and the Mobile Vision program. Her responsibilities and leadership included collaboration with community leaders and LAUSD partners, budgeting, strategic planning, scheduling, and overseeing a diverse team. Any organization will greatly benefit from her knowledge and experience."

    Maryam Sesay, Director of Operations at QueensCare

  • Close-up of a smiling elderly woman wearing glasses, a black habit, and a cross necklace, outdoors with green foliage in the background.

    "Many blessings, Donna, on Mobile Consultations, LLC! It’s been a privilege to collaborate with you. Your ingenuity and compassion have greatly served our community. You'll be an asset to all clients. Praying for your success!"

    Sister Ruth Agree, QueensCare

  • Green circular sign with white letters "Q D" outlined in red

    "Donna's career is dedicated to underserved communities, notably bringing vision care directly to schools via a mobile unit. Now, she extends her impact by teaching financial literacy, equipping individuals with life-long skills. Her unwavering commitment empowers vulnerable populations to lead full, independent lives."

    Quynh Duong, Provider at Gracelight Community Health Centers

  • A woman with shoulder-length dark hair and earrings smiling outdoors on a sidewalk with trees and a street in the background.

    "Donna's dedication to community empowerment shines through her work in education and resource access. Her team provided dental services and referrals in East LA. During COVID-19, she secured crucial resources for hospitals. Donna's strategic thinking and relationship-building amplify any organization's impact."

    Yuri E. Casco, Director Donor Engagement and Special Events at Keck Medicine of USC

  • Green circle with large white letters 'EC' outlined in red.

    "Donna's dedication to vulnerable communities is remarkable. She tirelessly provides healthcare and promotes financial literacy. Passionate about physical and financial health, she teaches smart money skills, starting with her family. Through Mobile Consultations, Donna's mission will continue to make a significant impact."

    Esther Chen, OD, Founder, The Piggy Box