Get Serious About Your Finances: 5 Ways to Build a Budget and Stick to It
Get Serious About Your Finances: 5 Ways to Build a Budget and Stick to It
Take Control of Your Money with Simple Budgeting Strategies That Actually Work
It’s time to get serious about your finances. You know you want to do it, but where do you even start? Don’t worry; you’re not alone, and you’ve come to the right place. Building a budget isn’t as overwhelming as it might seem—once you get the ball rolling, it becomes second nature. Trust me, it can be done, and I’ll walk you through exactly how.
Whether you're trying to save for something big, pay off debt, or simply get your finances in check, building a budget is a game-changer. And the best part? Once you get comfortable with it, budgeting will not only become easier but will also start feeling more like a part of your everyday life.
Ready? Let’s dive in.
Why Budgeting Is a Big Deal
Budgeting isn't just about writing down your income and expenses—it's about taking control of your money and making intentional decisions that align with your financial goals. When you have a solid budget in place, you:
Understand where your money is going (and why it’s disappearing).
Pay off debt faster because you have a clear plan to allocate your funds.
Save more money by prioritizing what’s important.
Achieve your financial goals—whether that’s building an emergency fund, saving for a big purchase, or preparing for retirement.
Budgeting is the foundation that helps you manage your finances and ultimately build the life you want. So, how do you get started?
1. Start with Ready-Made Budget Templates
If you're new to budgeting, it can feel daunting to start from scratch. That’s why one of the easiest ways to begin is by using pre-designed budget templates. Templates make the process much smoother and allow you to dive right into managing your finances without spending too much time setting everything up yourself.
I’ve created a set of beautiful budget templates available on my Etsy shop, including:
Deluxe Financial Planner
Annual Budget Planner
Expense Tracker
Debt Payoff Calculator
Compound Interest Calculator
Net Worth Calculator
These templates are designed in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets, making it easy for you to track your finances from anywhere. By using these pre-made tools, you can save time and ensure that you’re following a tried-and-true method for budgeting. Whether you're new to budgeting or looking to streamline your current process, these templates are an easy solution to get started.
Visit my Etsy shop now! to explore the templates and get started today!
2. Write It Down on Paper (The Old-School Way)
Sometimes, good old pen and paper can be just what you need to get a clear picture of your finances. If you’re more of a traditionalist or want a quick and simple method, this is your route.
Start by writing down all your monthly expenses—this includes your rent, utilities, groceries, insurance, subscriptions, and anything else you pay regularly. Then, subtract your total expenses from your monthly income. What’s left over is your potential for saving, debt repayment, or discretionary spending.
The beauty of this approach is that it forces you to look at the bigger picture. It’s easy to forget about those little expenses that add up over time, but writing it all down makes them impossible to ignore. Plus, it helps you see where you might be able to cut back.
3. Track Your Expenses for a Month
The only way to know if your budget is realistic is to track your spending. I recommend tracking every penny for at least a month, so you can see where your money is really going. You might be surprised at how much you’re spending on things like coffee, takeout, or those little “just because” purchases that add up quickly.
You can track your spending in a few ways:
Pen and paper: Jot down every expense.
Banking apps: Many banks offer expense tracking features that categorize your spending automatically.
Expense tracking apps: Try my app GET TRACKING to easily log your purchases and see exactly where your money is going.
Tracking your expenses for a month gives you the clarity you need to understand your financial habits and adjust accordingly. Once you see how much you’re spending on groceries, entertainment, and other categories, it will be much easier to make adjustments.
4. Adjust as You Go—Flexibility Is Key
Life doesn’t always go as planned, and that’s totally fine! Flexibility is one of the most important aspects of sticking to your budget. Don’t feel bad if you overspend or if unexpected expenses pop up—what matters is how you adjust and stay on track.
Here’s what I do when I realize my budget needs adjusting:
Review weekly: Set aside time once a week to check in on your spending. This helps you catch any discrepancies early and make changes before it’s too late.
Reallocate funds: If you’ve spent too much in one category, move money from another category to cover the difference. For example, if you spend more on groceries than expected, shift a little from your entertainment fund.
Don’t be afraid to tweak: Your budget isn’t set in stone. Life happens—sometimes, you need to allocate extra money for an emergency, or you may find ways to save that you didn’t originally think of.
After years of budgeting, I’ve learned that adjustments are a normal part of the process. You’ll get better at predicting your spending and adjusting as time goes on.
5. Hold Yourself Accountable—And Reward Your Success
It’s easy to let your budget slip when you don’t have anyone holding you accountable. Share your budgeting goals with a trusted friend, family member, or partner. Let them know what you’re working on and ask them to check in on your progress.
If you’re not comfortable sharing your budget, ask yourself what you need to make it easier for you to stick to it. Maybe you need to set a reminder to review your budget each week or set up a weekly “money date” where you spend time reviewing your finances. I talk more about money dates in another post, so make sure to check that out for more tips!
You also need to celebrate your wins, big or small. If you’ve stuck to your budget for a month, reward yourself! Maybe it’s a small treat or a fun outing. Celebrating milestones keeps you motivated to continue and reinforces the positive habits you’re building.
Consistency Is Key
Building a budget isn’t about being perfect; it’s about consistency. With time, budgeting will become second nature, and you’ll gain the confidence to manage your finances with ease. Don’t get discouraged if you overspend one month or if things don’t go according to plan—just adjust and keep moving forward. Practice makes perfect!
Remember, a budget isn’t just a tool—it’s a mindset. It’s about being in control of your money and making intentional decisions that align with your goals. The more you stick to your budget, the easier it will become, and the more confidence you’ll have in managing your finances.
Coaching Questions for Reflection:
What financial goals are you working toward, and how can your budget help you achieve them?
What changes can you make to your budget this month to ensure you're sticking to your goals?
How can you hold yourself accountable and stay motivated throughout the budgeting process?
Explore More:
For further tips on managing your finances and building financial confidence, check out these related blog posts:
How to Build a Budget and Stick to It: The Key to Financial Confidence
What Is Your Money Story? How It Shapes Your Financial Habits
The Benefits of a No-Spend Day: How Skipping Spending Can Boost Your Savings
How to Let Go of Limiting Money Beliefs and Unlock Financial Freedom
Money Dates: Why Scheduling Time for Your Finances is a Game-Changer
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial, or tax advice. Consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation. The Financial Confidence Coach is not liable for actions taken based on this information.
