Baby Step 1: Budgeting Your Way Out of Broke

Let me start with a little honesty:

Many of us did not grow up understanding money.

In fact, for most of us, money was that forbidden topic — like your daddy’s annual salary was classified information from the CIA. Your mum didn’t ask. She didn’t know. She just prayed the lights stayed on.

So if you grew up in a broke family, hear me:

You can still be rich.

Yes, even you — the one who dreams of a G-Wagon on the highway, windows down, worship music blasting. (Because same.)

But here’s one truth that shocked me when I learned it:

Money won’t change you — it will expose you.

If you’re depressed, money won’t heal you.
If you’re mean, money will make you a mean person with more resources.
If you’re arrogant… Lord help the people around you.

Money magnifies what’s already in your heart.

That’s why God focuses on the heart before the harvest.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21

And this right here is why so many marriages break apart.

Money fights are the #1 cause of divorce in America.

We blame the president, the IRS, the country, inflation, the weather, the ancestors—

But sometimes… The problem is simply no plan.

The 7 Baby Steps (AKA: The Financial GPS)

1. Save $1,000 for a starter emergency fund
   
2. Pay off all debt except the house (debt snowball)
   
3. Save 3–6 months of expenses
   
4. Invest 15% of your income
   
5. Save for your kids’ college
   
6. Pay off the house early
   
7. Build wealth & give generously
   

Today we’re camping on Baby Step 1.

Baby Step 1: Your $1,000 Emergency Fund

Let me be dramatic for a moment:

If you don’t have an emergency fund, you are one flat tire away from speaking in tongues —
and not the spiritual kind.

Saving $1,000 is not punishment.
It is protection.

Life is unpredictable.
One unexpected bill can take you from singing worship to singing the blues.

An emergency fund keeps you calm, collected, and Christ-like.

And here’s the truth many of us hate:

You cannot keep doing the same things and expect a different result.

This is why change feels uncomfortable.
This is why staying broke feels “safe.”
And this is why many people never move.

But growth requires sacrifice.

“If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.” — Isaiah 1:19

You must be willing.
You must be obedient.
You must be intentional.

Why Baby Steps Feel Hard (And Why You’re Not Alone)

• Distractions everywhere
  
• Culture normalizes debt
  
• Money secrecy in many families
  
• Some love spending, some love saving
  
• Opposites attract → spender & saver marriages
  
• People avoid budgets because they don’t want to confront their habits
  

But I promise you, budgeting isn’t punishment.

It’s peaceful.

Most people don’t budget because:

1. They’re scared to see the truth.

You’ll finally see how much your UberEats, Amazon, and Target runs have been ministering to your wallet.

2. They think budgeting is restrictive.

A budget doesn’t restrict you.
A budget gives you permission to spend — guilt-free.

3. Their spouse isn’t on the same page.

One is the nerd.
One is the free spirit.
Both are necessary.

4. They don’t know how.

Start simple.
Use EveryDollar, my “Inspired to Plan” journal, or a jotter with a pencil.

(Next blogpost: I’ll show you how to make a mock budget!)

What Is the #1 Way to Get Out of Debt?

Budgeting.

A budget is simply a plan for your money — a clear picture of what’s coming in and what’s going out.

Zero-Based Budgeting (A type of Budget)

(Full sample coming next time!)

Income – Expenses = Zero

This does not mean your bank account is empty.
It means every dollar has a name and a job — saving, investing, groceries, bills, etc.

The Four Walls: What You Pay First

“The four walls” just means the essentials.
If these aren’t covered, nothing else matters.

• Food
  
• Utilities
  
• Shelter
  
• Transportation
  

Let’s talk about FOOD for a second — because many people overspend here without realizing it.

Here’s what the average monthly food budget looks like in America:

• Singles: $260–$315
  
• Couples: ~$640
  
• Families of 4: $930–$1,100

• The average family spends $2,400 a year eating out alone.
  

This is why your wallet is crying.
This is why your budget is fighting for its life.
This is why you think you need more money, but sometimes you just need more awareness.

Food is the first wall — and it’s usually the first place overspending hides.

Sinking Funds = Your New Best Friend

A sinking fund protects you from panicking when big or yearly expenses pop up.

Examples:

• Christmas
  
• Car repairs
  
• Insurance
  
• Oil changes

It’s planning ahead instead of panicking later.

“But after my budget, I’m still in the negative!”

Then it may be time to:

• Pick up extra shifts
  
• Freelance
  
• Do temp work (we’ll discuss this later!)
  

Temporary hustle > permanent struggle.

Remember:
Intensity now creates peace later.

Budgeting Will Give You Control You Didn’t Know You Had

Let go of your past money mistakes.
Today is a new day.
A fresh start.
A reset.

“Write the vision; make it plain…” — Habakkuk 2:2

A budget is your written vision.

Every month, you’re declaring:

“This is where my money goes. This is who I am becoming.”

And here’s the beautiful part:

You are not budgeting for restriction.
You are budgeting for freedom.

Freedom to give.
Freedom to travel.
Freedom to build generational wealth.
Freedom to say “yes” without anxiety.
Freedom to live the way God intended.

Your Weekly Challenge

Choose one thing to do this week:

• Create your first budget
  
• Start your $1,000 emergency fund
  
• Cut one expense
  
• Pack lunches instead of eating out
  
• Put away the credit cards
  
• Track every dollar
  

Small steps become big testimonies.