I still remember my first paycheck. I was proud until I looked at the stub. Taxes, insurance, fees—half of it gone. My older cousin laughed and said, “Welcome to real life.”
Back then I thought budgeting was for rich people. Now I know it’s how you stop feeling broke.
When you get paid, split it three ways right away:
- Essentials — keep the lights on.
- Goals — even $10 toward savings counts.
- Life — a small joy so you don’t quit halfway.
It’s not about how much you make. It’s about learning to tell your money where to go before it disappears.