Life Update + Your Mock Zero-Based Budget (Just Like I Promised!)

Hello Tabithainspires reader,

It has been a few weeks since I posted on this blog. Life has been life-ing but trust me, I always have you all in mind, and I pray for you as well.
(I hope the feeling is mutual… haha.)

I also hope your Thanksgiving was peaceful, joyful, well spent with family and friends and full of good food that did not destroy your budget.
But if it did… we move. December is redemption month!

Now…….  back to our budgeting journey.

Like I promised, today we’re walking through a mock zero-based budget.
Remember: this is only an example, not an actual household bill.
The goal is to see the process, not judge the numbers.

What Is a Zero-Based Budget Again?

Zero-based budgeting simply means:

Income – Expenses = Zero

Not zero dollars in the bank — zero in planning.
Every dollar is assigned.
Every dollar has a mission.
No dollar is wandering around like a lost sheep.

A budget without assignment is like a classroom with no teacher:
chaos, noise, confusion… and someone crying in a corner.

Step 1: Add Up All Household Income

Nothing complicated.
Just your total monthly take-home pay.

Step 2: List Out Your Monthly Allocations

Here is the example mock budget

Total Expenses = $13,000

And boom — that’s a zero-based budget.

Why Is This Important?

Because most people feel “broke” not because they don’t make enough…
but because their money has no direction.

A zero-based budget gives you:

✔ clarity
✔ confidence
✔ communication with your spouse
✔ control over your goals
✔ calmness when life happens

Budgeting is not about restriction — it’s about alignment.Alignment with your values.
Alignment with your goals.
Alignment with the financial future God wants you to steward well.

A Few Things This Budget Shows:

1. Tithe & Giving Come First

God gets the first portion — not the leftovers.
Honor brings overflow.

2. Savings Is Not Optional

Broke today doesn’t have to mean broke forever.
Sacrifice today creates stability tomorrow.

3. Your Four Walls Are Covered First

Food. Utilities. Shelter. Transportation.
Peace begins when the essentials are secured.

4. You Still Get Personal Money

Yes — even in a strict budget.
A budget without joy is punishment.
A budget with balance is peace.

Now It’s Your Turn

You don’t need fancy apps.
You don’t need perfect math.
You don’t need to be a financial expert.

You just need to start.

This week’s challenge:

• Create your own mock budget
  
• Use your real numbers next month
  
• Share the responsibility with your spouse/ accountability partner
  
• Pray for unity, wisdom, and discipline
  

Your budget is not just a spreadsheet.
It is a vision board for your money.

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

Write your budget.
Make it plain.
Make it intentional.

And watch God breathe on your obedience.

With love,
Tabithainspires