Best Budgeting Methods for People Who Suck at Budgeting (Easy AF Guide)
Let’s be honest—budgeting sucks when you’re not into numbers, spreadsheets, or tracking every coffee you buy. But if you’re broke by payday and wondering “where TF did my money go?” — you need a better system.
Good news: Budgeting doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are simple, no-stress budgeting methods that actually work—even if you suck at budgeting.
1. The 50/30/20 Rule (The Lazy Budget) 🛋️
This is budgeting for people who hate budgeting. You divide your income into 3 simple chunks:
🔹 50% Needs – Rent, groceries, bills, transportation
🔹 30% Wants – Eating out, Netflix, shopping
🔹 20% Savings & Debt – Emergency fund, investments, extra debt payments
💡 Example: If you make $2,000/month:
• $1,000 → Needs
• $600 → Wants
• $400 → Savings/Pay off debt
✅ Why it works: No tracking every dollar. Just hit the percentages and you’re good.
2. Zero-Based Budgeting (For Control Freaks) 📊
This is for you if you need to know where every dollar goes.
🔹 Step 1: Write down your total monthly income.
🔹 Step 2: Assign every dollar a job—rent, food, savings, fun, whatever.
🔹 Step 3: Income – Expenses = ZERO
💡 Pro Tip: Use budgeting apps like Daddy Money or YNAB to make this easy AF.
✅ Why it works: Total control. You’re the boss of your money—not the other way around.
3. Pay Yourself First Method (Set & Forget) 🧠💰
Struggle with saving? Do this FIRST.
🔹 Before you pay any bills or spend, set aside a % for savings.
🔹 Automate it. Done.
💡 Example: Save 10-20% of your income before you touch it.
If you make $1,500/month, $150-300 goes straight to savings.
✅ Why it works: You save without thinking, and spend what’s left guilt-free.
4. Cash Stuffing (aka Envelope Method) 💵✉️
Horrible at digital budgeting? Go old school.
🔹 Withdraw cash for different categories: rent, food, fun, gas.
🔹 Use envelopes or a cash wallet. When it’s gone, it’s gone.
💡 Digital twist: Use prepaid cards or separate bank accounts for each category.
✅ Why it works: Physically seeing your money helps you spend less. Great for impulse spenders.
5. Anti-Budget (For the Minimalist) 🧘♂️
Don’t want to track anything? This method is for maximum chill.
🔹 Figure out how much you need to save each month.
🔹 Save that amount automatically.
🔹 Spend the rest however you want.
💡 Example: Need to save $300/month? Set it to auto-transfer and forget the rest.
✅ Why it works: Focuses on saving goals, not expense tracking. Super low-effort.
6. Weekly Spending Limits (Stay On Track) 📆
🔹 Set a weekly budget for your spending (e.g., $150/week).
🔹 Withdraw or track that amount and don’t go over.
💡 Reset every week. Helps stop overspending early in the month.
✅ Why it works: Easier to control spending week-by-week than monthly.
7. Use Budgeting Apps (Let Tech Help You) 📱
Budgeting doesn’t have to be DIY. Try these easy-to-use apps:
• Daddy Money – friendly, budgeting made fun, and simple (download from the app store now).
• YNAB (You Need A Budget) – Good for zero-based budgeting.
• Mint – Good for tracking spending.
• Honeydue – Good for couples.
✅ Why it works: Automation = less effort, more results.
How to Pick the Right Method (Without Overthinking) 🤯
• Hate tracking? → 50/30/20 or Anti-Budget
• Need control? → Zero-Based Budget
• Want to save more? → Pay Yourself First
• Spend impulsively? → Cash Stuffing
• Like tech? → Use budgeting apps
💡 Tip: Try one method for a month. See what works. Switch it up if it sucks.
Final Thoughts: Budgeting Doesn’t Have to Be Hard AF 💸
Budgeting isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being aware. Even a simple system can help you:
✅ Spend smarter
✅ Save more
✅ Stress less
Pick a method. Start today. Future you will be rich AF. 💰
As always, yours
Daddy
