When money’s tight, budgeting can feel pointless. Every dollar is already spoken for—and sometimes it feels like even that’s not enough. But if you’re tired of running on fumes, building a simple budget can help you break the cycle.

Step 1: Know Exactly What You’re Bringing In

This means every dollar. Your take-home pay, side hustle money, VA payments—whatever. You can’t build a plan without knowing your income to the cent.

Step 2: Track Every Dollar Going Out

Before I ever understood my finances, I tried budgeting apps that promised to do it all for me. They were flashy, automated, and honestly felt easy—but they never helped me actually learn where my money was going.

One night, out of frustration, I opened my banking app and started scrolling through every single transaction. I grabbed a notebook and started writing them down. Groceries. Gas. Fast food. That monthly charge for a free trial I never canceled. A few overdraft fees I didn’t even notice. It was humbling. But it was also the first time I truly saw my money clearly.

Step 3: List Your Priorities

What needs to come first? Rent, utilities, food. List out your non-negotiables, then work your way down to wants and extras. Seeing it written out forces hard choices—but it gives you control.

Step 4: Use a Simple Method

Don’t overthink it. You don’t need fancy tools. A pen and notebook or a free Google Sheet can do the job. As long as it helps you stay consistent, it works.

Step 5: Review Weekly

Your budget should live and breathe with your life. Review it weekly, adjust for surprise expenses, and keep moving forward. Progress over perfection.

It’s not about being strict. It’s about finally feeling in control of your money instead of the other way around.