Budgeting for beginners, for real no fluff, no pressure, just progress
👀 WHY BUDGETING MATTERS
Before we jump in, here’s a quick truth:
📉 Most people wait until they’re in financial trouble to start budgeting.
📈 But the smart move? Start while you’re figuring it out, even with little money.
✅ STEP 1: KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU EARN
If you don’t know what comes in, you won’t know what’s missing.
📊 Mini Chart: Monthly Income Breakdown
| Income Source | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Job (after tax) | $1,200 |
| Side hustle/freelance | $100 |
| Small sales/gigs | $50 |
| Total Income | $1,350 |
✅ STEP 2: WRITE DOWN WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
No apps, no filters just honesty.
✍️ Split your expenses into:
🟨 Needs (must pay):
- Rent
- Food
- Transport
- School fees
- Utilities
🟪 Wants (extras):
- Takeout
- Clothes
- Online shopping
- Coffee runs
📊 Visual Tip: Try a Pie Chart
Use this simple idea:
Pie Chart Title: “Where My Money Goes Each Month”
- 60% Needs
- 25% Wants
- 15% Saving or Debt
🖼️ Suggested Image:
Search “budget planner notebook”
https://www.pexels.com/search/budget%20notebook/
✅ STEP 3: MAKE A SIMPLE PLAN (AND STICK TO IT)
Now you give your money a job. Here’s the easiest way to divide your income:
📘 THE 50/30/20 RULE (OR A VERSION THAT WORKS FOR YOU)
| Category | % | Example from $1,350 |
|---|---|---|
| Needs | 50% | $675 |
| Wants | 30% | $405 |
| Save / Pay debt | 20% | $270 |
Too hard? Start with 70/20/10 or 80/10/10. It’s progress, not perfection.
✅ STEP 4: WRITE IT DOWN SOMEWHERE YOU’LL ACTUALLY SEE
This can be:
- A sticky note on your fridge
- A Google Sheet on your phone
- A journal you use daily
Use what you’ll keep using not what looks fancy.
✅ STEP 5: CHECK IN WEEKLY, NOT MONTHLY
Budgeting isn’t a “one-time setup” it’s a weekly vibe.
💬 Sunday Check-in Questions:
- What did I spend this week?
- Did I overspend on anything?
- Where can I fix it next week?
🧠 Final Thoughts (for anyone still doubting)
You don’t need to be good with money — you just need to be honest with it.
Even if it’s messy, even if it’s slow, even if you only track spending this week it’s better than guessing.
And the more you see your money clearly, the more confident you’ll feel.