If you’re anything like I was not too long ago, money feels like this giant stressor hanging over your head. Maybe you’re living paycheck to paycheck, wondering where all your hard-earned cash disappeared to by the end of the month. Or maybe you’ve tried to save before, but life keeps throwing curveballs—unexpected bills, a night out with friends, or that Amazon cart that somehow keeps calling your name.
I get it because I’ve been there.
In my early 20s, I felt stuck and overwhelmed. I knew I wanted to be better with money, but I had no clue where to start. Every time I thought about budgeting, I’d freeze up. It seemed like this huge, complicated thing only financially savvy people could handle. It really all started almost 3 years ago when I graduated college (WOW time flies!). I was living way above my means and tired of not having enough money in my bank account. I quit SO many times before I hit my breaking point and realized something had to change.
That’s when I decided to give budgeting a real shot—and it completely transformed my life.
What Budgeting Did for Me
Here’s the thing about budgeting: it’s not about telling yourself “no” all the time. It’s about saying yes to the things that actually matter to you.
Once I started tracking my spending, I realized where my money was leaking (hello, concerts and random weekend getaways…) and started putting it toward things that made me feel secure and excited about the future. I:
- I created a budget that worked for ME and was adaptable to my needs
- I opened a high yield savings account with Marcus and started building an emergency fund
- Stopped using my credit cards COMPLETELY.
- Started investing (something I never thought I could afford).
The best part? I stopped feeling anxious about money all the time. Instead, I felt empowered—like I finally had control over my life.
Why I Made This Budget Spreadsheet
When I started budgeting, I couldn’t find a tool that felt simple enough for someone like me—a complete beginner. So, I made my own. It was just a basic spreadsheet at first, but as I tweaked and improved it over time, I realized it could help other people too.
That’s how this Budget Spreadsheet was born. I created it to feel like a judgment-free zone, designed to help you understand your finances without feeling overwhelmed.
Here’s why it might be exactly what you need:
- It’s Simple: No crazy formulas or finance jargon—just a clean, straightforward layout.
- It’s Flexible: You can customize it to match your life and goals.
- It’s Empowering: Whether you’re saving for an emergency fund, crushing debt, or just trying to get by, this tool will help you see your progress every step of the way.
This isn’t just a spreadsheet. It’s a little nudge in the right direction—a way to take that first step toward financial peace of mind.
Your Journey Starts Here
Look, I know starting can feel scary. You might feel like you don’t know enough about money or think, “What’s the point? I barely have anything to save.” But I promise you this: small steps add up. Every time you track a dollar, save a little extra, or pay off even the smallest bit of debt, you’re building a stronger future for yourself.
If you’re ready to take that first step, you can grab my Budget Spreadsheet. It’s made with love and a whole lot of understanding because I know exactly how it feels to be starting out.
You’re not alone in this. Let’s take control of our money together, one step at a time.
With love and encouragement,
Yessica