Budgeting While Broke:

Hey Simplifers,

Let’s talk real life. Not Pinterest-perfect money boards. Not the "skip your latte and you’ll be rich" BS—just real numbers, real debt, and what I’m actually doing to get out of it.

As of today, I’m carrying $7,000 in personal debt. I don’t love that number — but I do love that it’s already down from $8K, and I didn’t even notice I had knocked out $1K until I looked at my budget this weekend. 😮‍💨 Progress is happening… even when life feels chaotic.

Here’s a peek at how I’m budgeting with a biweekly paycheck of $1,180 and what’s keeping me grounded:

My Biweekly Breakdown

• Transportation: $80/month

• Breakfast (workdays): $100/month

• Phone Bill: $75/month

• Wi-Fi: $75/month

• Debt Minimum Payment Plan (before): $700

• New Strategy: $840 biweekly toward debt 💥

• Side Hustle Income: $500/month (until November)

By tweaking just a few things — like eating in a bit more and not overcommitting to an aggressive plan I couldn’t stick to — I freed up an extra $140 biweekly to throw at my debt. No extremes, just adjustments.

What Helped Me Most:

• Zero-Based Budgeting: Every dollar has a job. Period.

• Tracking in Notion: I stay accountable by seeing where my energy (and money) is going.

• Weekly Check-Ins: A 10-minute money moment each Sunday keeps me sane.

Reminder: Debt Doesn’t Define You

Being in debt doesn’t make you lazy, irresponsible, or bad with money. It means life happened. And you’re figuring it out.

You’re allowed to take your time. You’re allowed to pivot. You’re allowed to protect your peace and still show up for your financial goals.

What’s Next?

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes of this journey — how I’m balancing bills, budgeting with limited income, and still making space for self-care, rest, and joy.

👋 Final Thoughts

If you’re managing debt right now, just know: you're not alone.

And if this resonated with you — share it with a friend who’s also trying to figure this all out in real time. We’re building a community where money talk feels safe, supportive, and sustainable.

Here’s to progress that feels like peace.
C
Founder of The Simple Adult 🩶