This week's Money Buddy
Zach is a software developer, entrepreneur, husband, and father to two young boys. In 2023, he founded MyBudgetCoach to help the world fall in love with budgeting.
How I Like to Budget
Budgeting has been a game-changer for my wife and me, and we’ve found that a zero-based budget works best for us. This means that every dollar we earn has a job—whether it’s going toward bills, savings, or fun. But we also tweak it to fit our needs, keeping a little buffer we call a “virtual cash stash” to cover any unexpected category overages. This gives us a mix of structure and flexibility, ensuring we stay on track without feeling overly restricted.
Another key part of our approach is budgeting based on last month’s income. Instead of guessing what our paychecks will be, we always budget using money we’ve already earned. This eliminates surprises and provides a built-in financial cushion. Whether you use a strict zero-based method, the 50/30/20 rule, or an anti-budget approach (where you save first and spend the rest), the key is finding a system that helps you stay intentional with your money.
How to Teach Others About Budgeting
If budgeting has changed your life, why not share it with others? You don’t need to be a financial expert—just someone who understands the value of budgeting and wants to help. There are so many ways to teach: host a budgeting class at your church or local library, mentor a friend, or even become a financial coach. I’ve found that people are eager to learn but often don’t know where to start. A little guidance can go a long way.
If you want to take it further, platforms like MyBudgetCoach make it easy to connect with people looking for financial guidance. And remember—teaching others is one of the best ways to reinforce what you already know. So if budgeting has helped you, pass it on!
Being Proactive vs. Reactive with Your Budget
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that a budget puts you in control. Without one, it’s easy to live in a constant state of reaction—wondering how you’ll cover bills, scrambling for overtime, or stressing over unexpected expenses. But when you plan ahead, you make your money work for you.
My wife and I plan for upcoming expenses like vacations and big purchases months in advance. This way, we’re not panicking when the time comes—we’ve already set aside the money. It’s the difference between saying, “How are we going to afford this?” and saying, “Look at what we’ve been able to save for!” Whether it’s using sinking funds for larger purchases or just sitting down for a regular budget meeting, the goal is to be intentional, not reactive.
Budgeting isn’t about restriction—it’s about freedom. Find a system that works for you, teach others when you can, and use your budget to take control of your financial future.
Enjoy your week and get out there and have a money talk!
