147 | Real-Life Budgeting: A Hands-On Guide to Creating a Zero-Based Budget

Snag Our Simplified Budget System! Today, we're diving deep into the world of budgeting and answering a burning question: What is zero-based budgeting?We received a great question from our Facebook group. Someone asked, "What is zero-based budgeting, and how do I do it?" This inspired us to break it down and make budgeting accessible to all.📊 Setting the Stage with Our Budgeting Tool:- We use an amazing budget spreadsheet, and you can get it too (with a discount code) if you're interested.- It's designed to be user-friendly with clean fonts and clear sections.💰 Step 1: Understanding Your Income:- Start by inputting your income, the money you're bringing in.- Every dollar is your soldier, and you're the commander.🧾 Step 2: Debt Minimum Payments:- Now, let's tackle your debts.- Minimum payments are non-negotiable; you owe them.- Subtract your minimum debt payments from your total income.💡 Step 3: Budget Categories:- Next up are your bills and expenses.- These include essentials like utilities, groceries, subscriptions, and insurance.- Subtract these from your remaining budget.🍔 Step 4: Discretionary Spending:- Here's where you decide what truly matters.- Dining out, entertainment, pocket money – you choose how to spend.- Allocate funds to these categories wisely.💼 Step 5: Savings (or Extra Debt Payment):- If your priority is paying off debt, allocate the remaining money to debt payments.- In our example, we have some savings goals.- Set aside money for planned expenses, like travel or gifts.🔄 Step 6: Getting to Zero:- The magic happens when you get to zero.- Every dollar has a job, and the goal is to assign them all.- If you have any money left, put it towards your financial goals.💪 Step 7: Be the Supervisor of Your Dollars:- Remember, you're in control.- Make sure every dollar fulfills its job – no extra jobs allowed!📅 Step 8: Pay Debt Strategically:- When allocating money to debt, split it among your paychecks.- Don't wait until the end of the month; act as soon as you get paid.🔑 Conclusion:- Zero-based budgeting is all about intention and control.- Plan for everything, be intentional with every dollar, and watch your financial goals come to life.Connect With Us: 1️⃣ Facebook Group – Join the community. Our free group is where the real talk happens. Connect with other women who are learning how to budget, save, and finally feel in control, together. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/facebook 2️⃣ Automate Your Budget Masterclass – Watch it now, no waiting. This FREE on-demand training shows you how to set up a budget that matches your lifestyle, without tracking every dollar or feeling restricted. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/automate 3️⃣ Budget – Grab our Simplified Budget System! You don’t need another budget, you need a system that does the math, makes the plan, and gives you permission to spend. ➡︎ budgetbesties.com/budget 4️⃣ Private 1-on-1 Coaching – Get a plan and a coach. We’ll build your full budget system together, so you always know what to do and feel confident doing it. ➡︎