No B.S. Startup Checklist

Budgeting 101: Stop Guessing Where Your Money Went

Let’s face it—if you don’t have a budget, your money is probably ghosting you every month. You think you’re in control, but then you check your bank balance and wonder, “Where the hell did it all go?” Spoiler: It went where you told it to go (yes, even those late-night takeout orders). Time to fix that.

Here’s how to get your financial life together with a budget that actually works.

Step 1: Face the Numbers (Even If They Hurt)

First things first: Stop avoiding your bank statements like they’re a bad ex. Open your accounts and tally up three things:

1. Income – What’s coming in? No, not “what you think you make,” but your actual take-home pay after taxes.

2. Expenses – List every single thing you spend money on. Yes, everything. From rent to your Spotify subscription.

3. Debt – How much do you owe? Student loans, credit cards, car payments—don’t sugarcoat it.

Now, take a deep breath. It’s not pretty, but ignoring it won’t make it better.

Step 2: Give Every Dollar a Job

This is where you take control. It’s time to stop letting your money freelance and put it to work. Break it down like this:

1. Needs (50%)
   This is your “keep the lights on” money. Rent, utilities, groceries—stuff you actually need to survive. No, Netflix isn’t a “need.”

2. Wants (30%)
   Here’s your fun money, but don’t go wild. Dinner with friends? Cool. Another $50 on microtransactions for that mobile game? Absolutely not.

3. Savings & Debt (20%)
   This is where you become a grown-up. Pay down debt, build your emergency fund, or invest for the future. The more you throw at this category, the faster you’ll stop feeling broke.

Step 3: Track Like a Hawk

A budget isn’t a one-and-done deal—it’s a living thing. You’ve got to monitor it. Use an app, a spreadsheet, or even a notebook if you’re old-school. Check in weekly to make sure you’re staying on track. If you blow through your dining-out budget by the 10th, guess what? You’re cooking at home for the rest of the month.

Step 4: Plan for the Unexpected (Because Life Happens)

Life has a way of throwing curveballs: car repairs, vet bills, your cousin’s last-minute wedding. Build an emergency fund so these surprises don’t derail your entire plan. Aim for at least $1,000 to start, then work your way up to 3-6 months’ worth of expenses.

Step 5: Adjust and Repeat

Budgets aren’t static. Your expenses change, your income changes, and, let’s be real, sometimes you just mess up. That’s fine—adjust and keep moving forward.

Why Budgeting Isn’t Optional

Here’s the deal: If you don’t tell your money where to go, it’ll disappear, and you’ll end up stuck in the same broke cycle forever. Budgeting isn’t about being restrictive—it’s about freedom. The freedom to spend on what matters, save for what you want, and stop panicking every time your card gets declined.

So, what’s it gonna be? Keep winging it and wondering why you’re broke, or take five minutes to actually make a plan? Your move.