I’m 22F and kinda lost on where to start with budgeting. I tend to spend on random things like online shopping and food orders, and I feel like my money’s disappearing. Any simple app recommendations or layouts to help get me started?
I was in the same boat, lol. Before diving into a strict budget, start by tracking your expenses for a month or two. This way you see where your money actually goes. Then, setting a budget will feel easier!
@Zander
Makes sense! What app do you use for tracking?
@Zander
I use Mint—it links to my bank and categorizes stuff for me, which helps a ton!
Start with simple categories like bills, groceries, and fun money. I set mine up in Google Sheets at first, which was great for organizing.
Fitz said:
Start with simple categories like bills, groceries, and fun money. I set mine up in Google Sheets at first, which was great for organizing.
Google Sheets sounds easy enough. Do you have a template, or did you make your own?
Fitz said:
Start with simple categories like bills, groceries, and fun money. I set mine up in Google Sheets at first, which was great for organizing.
I just used Google’s budget template to start. Super basic but perfect for a beginner!
If you’re an impulse spender, try the 30-day rule! For anything that’s not essential, wait 30 days. If you still want it after that, go for it.
Mai said:
If you’re an impulse spender, try the 30-day rule! For anything that’s not essential, wait 30 days. If you still want it after that, go for it.
That’s smart! I’ve bought too much random stuff I didn’t even end up using. Gonna try this.
Mai said:
If you’re an impulse spender, try the 30-day rule! For anything that’s not essential, wait 30 days. If you still want it after that, go for it.
Haha, same! I keep a list on my phone and most of it I don’t even want after a week 
You should set up separate categories for bills, essentials, and maybe a small ‘treat yourself’ fund. Helps curb that online shopping urge.
Ren said:
You should set up separate categories for bills, essentials, and maybe a small ‘treat yourself’ fund. Helps curb that online shopping urge.
Good idea… what do you mean by treat fund? Like, setting aside a bit for something small each month?
Ren said:
You should set up separate categories for bills, essentials, and maybe a small ‘treat yourself’ fund. Helps curb that online shopping urge.
Exactly! Put aside a small amount for little treats, so you don’t feel deprived but stay within budget.
Also, YouTube is full of great budgeting tips if you’re still feeling lost. Lots of people have free advice that could help you stay on track!
Alton said:
Also, YouTube is full of great budgeting tips if you’re still feeling lost. Lots of people have free advice that could help you stay on track!
Good call! Any channels you recommend?
Alton said:
Also, YouTube is full of great budgeting tips if you’re still feeling lost. Lots of people have free advice that could help you stay on track!
Try ‘Khan Academy’ for budgeting basics. Not super flashy but they go over the essentials really well.