💡 You don’t need to follow every rule to win with money

When I first started trying to budget, I did what most people do I Googled and read a lot.

I found fancy templates, complex formulas, and rules like the 50-30-20 method. It sounded smart. It looked organized. But it didn’t work for me.

Because my life didn’t fit into someone else’s boxes.

Instead of feeling empowered, I felt behind. Frustrated. Like I was always “doing it wrong.”
I used to look at my spending plan and feel devastated. So I stopped following their rules and made my own system — one that felt real and flexible for me.

🔎 Budgeting isn’t about rules. Find your rhythm

I didn’t need another spreadsheet. I needed clarity.

Clarity about what mattered most to me.
Clarity about where my money was actually going.
Clarity about how I could adjust without shame.

Once I got honest about my real expenses and real habits, I could finally build a system that worked with me, not against me.

✍🏽 Here’s what my real-life spending rhythm looks like

Every month, I check in with myself. Not just the numbers but my life.

1. What’s coming up this month? (Birthdays, bills, travel, etc.)

2. What do I want to prioritize? (Debt? Rest? Extra groceries for hosting?)

3. Where did my money go last month that didn’t feel aligned?

Then I tweak. Shift. Adjust.
Sometimes I save more. Sometimes I give more. Sometimes I say “not now.”

It’s not rigid. It’s real.

🤯 Here’s the budgeting advice I stopped believing

“You should only spend 30% of your income on housing.” - right now I’m spending more than that because my peace and quiet matters more.

“You need a sinking fund for everything.” - not really, this just makes things complicated and overwhelming. 2-3 main ones are good enough.

“You can’t enjoy your money while trying to build wealth.” - biggest lie. I am doing just that but with the right priorities and the right system.

None of those rules worked for my real life as a working parent, spouse, and dreamer building something meaningful.

What did work was choosing what to track, what to release, and what to lean into based on my actual values and what my family needs.

👣 A few simple steps to build your own rhythm

If traditional budgeting hasn’t worked for you, that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’re bad with money. It means the system was never designed with your life in mind. And I’m not saying all the money rules our there are bad, you can certainly use them and add your own little twist.

Here’s how to build a system that supports you:

• Start by writing down the top 5 categories you spend on each month

• Add one or two categories for your goals or dreams

• Set realistic amounts you want to spend in each — not just what you “should”

• Check in weekly to see how it’s flowing and adjust with compassion

The goal isn’t to follow a rulebook. The goal is to feel in control of your money

💬 I’d love to hear from you

What’s one budgeting “rule” you’ve let go of, or one you’re ready to try your way?

Hit reply and share with me. I read every response.

And if this gave you peace or clarity today, forward it to someone who’s tired of forcing what doesn’t fit.

With you on your journey to a Fulfilled and Free life,

Sandrene