Budgeting 

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?”

Proverbs 27: 23-24

Where Do I start?

Understanding Your Relationship with Money

Let’s begin with shifting how we think about money. Just like my book says, “Money is not evil—she’s good. She’s purpose-driven, honorable, generous, and wants to be in a committed relationship with you. But like any relationship, you must be intentional and take care of it.”

The first step? Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB). Now, budgeting might not sound exciting, but it’s one of the most powerful tools you have. A budget isn’t about restriction—it’s about clarity and control. Zero-Based Budgeting means giving every dollar a specific job before the month begins. No guessing. No surprises. Every cent is accounted for.

The truth is, many people don’t know where their money is going each month. In fact, nearly 60% of U.S. households don’t have a budget at all. That makes it easy for money to slip through your fingers—and even easier to feel like there’s never enough.

Why Zero-Based Budgeting?

Because if you don’t tell Money where to go, you’ll end up wondering where she went. That’s the beauty of Zero-Based Budgeting—you give every dollar of Money a purpose before the month even starts. Your income minus your expenses should equal zero. That doesn’t mean you’re broke—it means she isn’t wandering aimlessly. Every bit of Money is working: for your bills, your groceries, your savings, your debt, your goals.

With this method, you’re not just hoping Money sticks around—you’re choosing exactly where she goes, on purpose. It’s about being intentional. Instead of wondering why Money keeps disappearing by the end of the month, you’re sitting down and saying, “Here’s your job.”

And here’s what surprises most people: when you start budgeting this way, you often discover Money you didn’t even realize you had. Suddenly, she isn’t vanishing on impulse buys and fast food—you’re seeing Money show up where it counts.

Budgeting doesn’t limit your freedom—it protects and expands it. When you know where she’s going, you feel more in control, more confident, and more secure. Studies show that people who keep a budget feel more empowered and less stressed about their finances.

And let’s be real—who doesn’t want that kind of peace of mind?

How to Create a Zero-Based Budget

  • Let’s begin with the money you actually have to work with—your take-home pay. This is the amount you see after taxes, insurance, and retirement contributions have already been taken out. In other words, it’s what actually lands in your bank account, ready to be spent, saved, or (hopefully not) disappeared by impulse shopping.

  • Take a moment to write down every expense you can think of. This includes your fixed bills (like rent, utilities), debt payments, groceries, gas, insurance, subscriptions, and even money for fun. Don’t overlook the occasional expenses—things like car registration, birthday gifts, or any special one-time payments. Be honest with yourself and check your bank statements if you need a little reminder.

  • Now, take your income and assign it to cover these expenses until there’s nothing left unassigned. For example, if you have a $3,000 income, you might allocate $1,000 to rent, $300 to groceries, $200 to utilities, $100 to entertainment, $200 to debt payments, $100 to savings, and so on, until it adds up to $3,000. Every single dollar should have a purpose—whether it's going toward a bill or being saved for the future.

  • Now, take your income and assign it to cover these expenses until every dollar has a job. For example, if you bring in $3,000, you might allocate $1,000 for rent, $300 for groceries, $200 for utilities, $100 for entertainment, $200 for debt payments, $100 for savings, and so on, until it totals $3,000. Every single dollar should have a purpose—whether it’s covering a bill or being saved for the future.

  • It may take a few adjustments to get your budget to balance to zero. If your expenses exceed your income, you’ll need to make some cuts (perhaps by dining out less or switching to a more affordable phone plan). If you have extra money left over, assign it to your top priority—whether that's paying off debt faster or building your savings. The goal is always: Income – Expenses = $0.

Taking action is the key

Use whatever method suits you best. Whether it’s a spreadsheet, a budgeting app, or good old pen and paper, the key is to use a system you’ll actually stick with. Some folks swear by the envelope method (where you pay cash for specific categories and stop spending once the cash runs out). Find what works for your style, and go with it!

Peace Of Mind

By the end of this program, you won’t just have a plan—you’ll have that I-got-this energy. And let’s be honest: that’s better than any payday loan. This is about more than money. It’s about shifting your mindset, kicking bad habits to the curb, and stepping into the life you deserve—one where you make the rules and debt doesn’t run the show.

So... you ready? Let’s dive into Step 1 and get this money journey started. Your future self is already clapping.

Start with Your Take-Home Pay for the Month

Let’s begin with the money you actually have to work with—your take-home pay. This is the amount you see after taxes, insurance, and retirement contributions have already been taken out. In other words, it’s what actually lands in your bank account, ready to be spent, saved, or (hopefully not) disappeared by impulse shopping.

  • Now, don’t just stop at your main job. Include all your income streams—every dollar counts! That means:

  • Your regular 9–5 paycheck

  • Any side hustle money (Uber, hair braiding, graphic design, babysitting, etc.)

  • Monthly child support or alimony

  • Freelance or gig work

  • Business profits (after expenses)

  • Even that extra $200 Auntie slipped you because “you looked like you needed it”

Let’s say, when you total it all up, you’re bringing home $3,000 this month. Boom—that’s your starting point. Think of it like the pie you get to slice up. Every dollar has a job, and it’s your job to assign it on purpose—not just let it wander off like a toddler in a candy store.

Knowing your total monthly income helps you create a real, workable plan. Without this number, budgeting is just guessing—and guesswork leads to overdraft fees and ramen noodles for dinner (again). So go ahead and total it up. This is your foundation. You can’t build financial freedom on mystery money!