Here’s the thing about budgeting: it’s not magic.
You don’t need a Ph.D. in finance (or a degree from Hogwarts). It’s really just about figuring out where your money is going and then telling it where you want it to go instead.
Easy peasy, right?
Except, let’s be real, sometimes it feels more like wrestling a grumpy octopus. 🐙
The Problem With ALL Those Budgeting Steps
The internet loves a good “step-by-step” guide to financial bliss. You’ve probably seen this list a million times:
- Know your numbers.
- Set goals.
- Cut the fat.
- Build an emergency fund.
Blah blah blah. Sound familiar?
Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with these steps. They’re not bad advice. I’ve even written about them myself. The problem? They can feel like staring up at Mount Everest from base camp. Instead of inspiring action, they overwhelm you. And suddenly, playing a few rounds of Super Mario and smashing Goombas 🍄🟫 sounds way more appealing than dealing with your finances. (Yep, been there too.)
But here’s the truth you need to hear today: Budgeting doesn’t have to be perfect. Forget about mastering everything at once. You just need to start.
Where To Start When You’re Freaking Out
Feeling stuck? There are two simple starting points. No spreadsheets required.
Option A: Go On An Emotional Money Journey 😭
Stay with me here. Everyone’s got a money story: the beliefs, habits, and baggage you’ve dragged with you since your piggy bank days. Maybe you were taught that money is always tight. Or maybe you’ve got a love-hate relationship with your credit card.
Spend 10 minutes (yes, that’s it) and ask yourself:
- What are the three most significant experiences with money in your life?
- Are there any money habits I always seem to fall back on?
- What is an ideal healthy relationship with money?
This little exercise? It’s like clearing out mental cobwebs. It won’t solve everything overnight, but just getting some clarity on your thoughts about money will help you stop sabotaging yourself.
Option B: Get the Numbers Outta Your Head 🤯
Not the emotional type? Totally fine. Start with cold, hard facts.
Step one: grab a coffee. Step two: open your bank app. Step three: write down what’s coming in and what’s going out.
Here’s a cheat sheet for breaking it down – put all your expenses into these two main categories:
- Fixed expenses (rent/mortgage, utilities, car payment).
- All the other stuff (groceries, coffee, Amazon splurges, chewing gum, whatever).
And here’s the kicker: spend no more than TWO HOURS on this. Seriously. Set a timer. If you try too hard to make it perfect, you’ll quit halfway through. Don’t overthink it.
Whichever option you choose, the goal is simple. Just start. ✨
The Emotional Battle Is Bigger Than The Work 🧠💥
Quick reality check for you: the hardest part of budgeting isn’t the math.
It’s the mental drama. You know, that little voice in your head that says:
- “I’ll never figure this out.”
- “Where does all my money even GO?!”
- “I’ll start… tomorrow.”
Yeah, that voice? It’s lying. Call it your inner saboteur, your anxiety, your whatever-you-want-to-name-it. It’s full of excuses, and those excuses? They’re holding you back.
But here’s the thing about that voice: the second you take action, it quiets down. Every tiny step builds momentum, and before you know it, you’re budgeting like a pro.
The Bottom Line
Forget the complex systems. Toss those color-coded spreadsheets.
Pick ONE thing to do today:
- Reflect on your money habits.
- Tackle your numbers.
That’s it. No overthinking. No stress. Just one simple action.
Budgeting isn’t about becoming a financial genius by next Tuesday. It’s about progress, not perfection.
And hey, if it still feels hard, just remind yourself… at least it’s not as hard as assembling IKEA furniture.
You’ve got this. Go crush it. 🚀
Comments are closed.