Skip to main content

How to Budget on a Low Income (Without Feeling Broke or Defeated)

Hey babe — let’s talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough love: budgeting when you’re already stretched thin.

If you’ve ever sat down with a calculator, looked at your bills, and thought “How in the world am I gonna make this work?” — you are not alone. I've been there. Many of us have. And I promise you, this doesn’t have to be your forever.

Yes, you can budget on a low income.
Yes, you can build savings — even if it’s $5 at a time.
And yes, you deserve peace, not panic, when it comes to your money.

So grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let me walk you through how I’ve made budgeting work — even when things felt impossible.

First: Let’s Ditch the Shame

Listen, budgeting isn’t about being “bad with money” or needing to fix yourself. It’s about getting clear on your money’s job — so you stay in control.

It’s not about deprivation. It’s about direction.

If you’ve been living paycheck to paycheck (or paycheck to 3-days-before-paycheck 😅), I see you. This is a judgment-free zone. We’re figuring this out together.

Step 1: Know Exactly What’s Coming In

Sounds obvious, right? But when you’re hustling with multiple income sources (your main job, child support, a side gig, EBT, etc.), it can get fuzzy.

Take a moment and write down every single dollar that hits your account monthly. Doesn’t matter if it’s $50 from DoorDash or $100 grandma sent — it all counts.

🖊️ Pro tip: Use my free Budget Kickstart Kit to make this easier.

Step 2: Track Where the Money's Going (No Shame, Just Data)

Here’s the truth: your money already has a pattern, even if you’re not seeing it yet. So before we try to change anything, let’s just watch it.

For one month, write down every dollar you spend. Yup — even the $3 coffee or the quick Target run (we all know those turn into $80+ trips real quick 😅).

By the end of the month, you’ll start seeing:

  • What’s absolutely necessary
  • What’s nice, but maybe not needed
  • Where tiny leaks are draining your dollars

Think of it like turning on the lights in a messy room. You’re not judging yourself — you’re just making it easier to clean up.

Step 3: Give Every Dollar a Job

This is where we flip the script.

Instead of money controlling you, you’re now the boss.

Break your income into categories:

  • Rent/Mortgage
  • Utilities
  • Groceries
  • Transportation
  • Debt (if any)
  • Childcare/School expenses
  • Emergency savings
  • Fun money (yes, even $10 counts)

Use a zero-based budget if you can — that just means every dollar has a plan. No money left “floating” with no purpose.

💡 Don’t forget to build in “life happens” money. Because it always does.

Step 4: Cut Gently — Not Harshly

Budgeting doesn’t mean canceling everything that brings you joy. It means getting creative.

Instead of cutting Netflix, can you share an account?
Instead of eating out 3x/week, what if one of those nights is a “fun meal” cooked at home?

Look for swaps, not sacrifices.

Step 5: Prioritize Like a Queen

If there’s more month than money, you’re going to have to decide what gets paid first. That’s okay.

Here’s what I recommend:

  1. Shelter, food, lights, and water first
  2. Minimum payments on debts (don’t ignore them, but don’t let them steal your peace)
  3. A tiny bit to savings — yes, even $5. It counts.
  4. Then everything else

And if you can’t do it all? That doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means the system is broken — not you.

Step 6: Automate What You Can

If your income is regular, set up auto-pay or auto-transfer to savings for the basics. One less thing on your mind.

If your income is unpredictable (hey, gig workers and tip earners!), use percentage-based budgeting. Like, “I’ll save 10% no matter how much I earn this week.”

Step 7: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

This part is vulnerable, but real.

There’s no shame in applying for assistance. Whether it's food stamps, rental help, or local mom groups — use the resources available to you.

BoldHer Wealth isn’t about pretending everything’s perfect. It’s about using everything you’ve got to build the life you want.

Step 8: Set One Bold Goal

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when money is tight. So don’t try to do everything at once. Just focus on one clear goal.

💡 Want to save $200 for back-to-school?
💡 Want to pay off that $300 credit card?
💡 Want to finally open a savings account?

Pick one. Write it down. Track it. Celebrate every tiny win.

Step 9: Use Tools That Make It Easier

There are so many free and low-cost tools that can help. Here are a few I love:

  • Mint or YNAB (You Need A Budget) – budget trackers
  • Google Sheets – simple and shareable
  • BoldHer Budget Kickstart Kit – grab your free printable tracker here 

Step 10: Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

You won’t stick to your budget 100% every single month. No one does. Life throws curveballs. But every time you make a conscious money choice? That’s a win.

👏 You said no to an unnecessary expense
👏 You meal prepped instead of eating out
👏 You put $10 in savings instead of letting it slip away

It all matters.

Final Thoughts — You’re Not Just Budgeting. You’re Building Power.

Sis, budgeting isn’t about restriction. It’s about reclaiming your power. You’re not just managing money — you’re creating peace, options, and freedom for yourself and your family.

You don’t need more money to start budgeting.
You need a plan — and a little encouragement.

And now? You’ve got both 💪💕

📥 Grab Your Free Budget Kit

Need help getting started? I got you.
Download my free Budget Kickstart Kit with:
✔️ Printable budget worksheets
✔️ Goal-setting pages
✔️ Tips for getting started

🎁 Grab the Kit Now

Comments

Post a Comment