Own Your Budget

Life gets busy. Long workdays, household responsibilities, and mental fatigue can make budgeting feel overwhelming. However, managing your money doesn’t need to involve complicated tools and budgeting apps. Sometimes the simplest approach, like using a pen and paper, is the most effective. These steps are designed to help you see where your money is going and create more room in your monthly budget to put towards your financial goals. The goal is awareness, not perfection.

Step 1: Write Down Your Monthly Take Home Income

• This is the starting point for everything – keep it simple!
• Begin by outlining your consistent sources of income.

Step 2: List Your Necessary Fixed Expenses

• Housing, utilities, transportation, insurance, childcare, and essential subscriptions
• These expenses usually stay the same each month and give you a clear picture of your core spending.

Step 3: List Your Variable Expenses

• Groceries, gas, eating out, kids’ activities, household items, and personal spending
• Estimates are perfectly fine. This step is about understanding your spending patterns.

Step 4: Look for Areas to Reduce or Redirect Spending

• Identify the categories that you typically spend more than budgeted.
• Focus on small adjustments rather than dramatic cuts.
• For example, you might notice frequent takeout meals or extra mid-week grocery trips that add up over time.

Step 5: Choose One or Two Simple Changes

• Pick one easy win for decreasing spending. For example, limit takeout to once a week or set a small grocery spending target.
• Pick one way to redirect the money you free up. For example, add it to savings or put it toward a monthly debt payment.

Step 6: Weekly Check-In’s

• Review your receipts and bank activity once a week.
• Make small adjustments as needed and note any changes in your spending.

Budgeting doesn’t need to be complicated. Start small and stay consistent, and you will begin to see positive changes over time. Use the budgeting tools that work best for you, whether that’s a simple written list or a budgeting app. The goal is to find a method that fits your life and helps you stay aware of your spending so you can move closer to your financial goals.