Budgeting Basics for the New Year

Let’s be honest: post-holiday budgeting feels a lot like looking in your planner after ignoring it for two weeks—there’s regret, confusion, and maybe a tear or two. But guess what? January is the perfect time to press reset, both in your planner and your finances.

Budgeting doesn’t have to be restrictive or boring. In fact, it can be colorful, creative, and totally personalized to fit your lifestyle (and sticker stash). Let’s dive into the basics so you can feel in control of your money without losing your mind—or your iced coffee fund.

Know Where You Stand

Before you make a budget, you’ve gotta know what you’re working with. Time for a quick money check-in:

• What’s your total income?

• What are your recurring expenses?

• Any debt or savings goals?

  
  

I like to set up a simple budget overview in my planner using highlighters and my Hemlock and Oak weekly planner. It makes things visual and way less intimidating.

Even a basic breakdown gives you a clearer picture—and knowledge is power, my friend.

Create a Monthly Budget You Can Actually Stick To

The best budget is one you’ll actually use. Not the Pinterest-perfect spreadsheet with formulas that make your head hurt. Here’s how I keep it real:

• Break it into categories: bills, groceries, fun money, savings, etc.

• Estimate spending for each category based on past months

• Use a planner spread or sticker kit to visualize your plan

  
  

My favorite tool to use for sticking with my budget is the YNAB app. Let's face it, I'm not the best with numbers! YNAB makes budgeting easy and visually appealling. Trust me, when your budget looks good, you’re more likely to stick to it.

Plan for Irregular Expenses

Nothing wrecks a budget faster than forgetting your cat’s birthday, your BFF’s bridal shower, or your annual Amazon Prime renewal. (Been there.)

Here’s your solution: sinking funds. These are mini savings goals for non-monthly expenses. Use a “budget countdown” page in your planner to track them over time.

I like to decorate mine with little icons for each goal. Birthdays? Cupcake sticker. Dentist Appointment? Tooth sticker. It’s budgeting with personality.

Make It Visual and Fun

I fully believe budgeting is more sustainable when it’s cute. Use color-coding, washi tape, and sticker headers to make your budget spreads feel less like a chore.

You’ll be shocked by how motivating it is to check off a bill when there’s a shiny gold star next to it.

Track, Review, Adjust

Here’s the real secret: your first budget won’t be perfect. That’s normal! Budgeting is a learning curve, not a pass/fail exam.

Set aside 10–15 minutes each week to check in:

• What categories did I overspend in?

• What needs adjusting?

• Can I roll over any extra into savings?

  
  

Your planner is the perfect place to jot down these notes—and to remind yourself that every little win counts.

My Personal Budgeting Routine

Here’s a peek behind the scenes: I sit down every Sunday afternoon with my planner, some snacks, and of course, Burt. I:

• Review what I spent last week

• Update my expense tracker

• Adjust any categories for the upcoming week

  
  

I also film this process for YouTube or post mini recaps in my IG stories. It keeps me accountable—and connected to you all.

Budgeting in a Budget Planner

Let’s be real. You don’t need 47 sticker kits and three planners to get organized. (Unless you want them—no judgment!)

Some of my favorite budget tools are super affordable:

• Hand-drawn trackers (make use of that grid paper!)

• Budget spreads created on monthly layouts (no one really uses these pages anyway)

• And of course, stickers or sticky notes

  
  

Keep it simple, especially in January, when the temptation to overspend on all the things is real.

Watch Me Budget!

Want to see how I set it all up in real time? Head over to my YouTube channel and watch my latest budget planning video.

I walk you through:

• How I set up my monthly budget spread

• How I track expenses and bills weekly

• The exact stickers and layouts I’m using this month

Share Your Budgeting Wins

I love hearing about your budgeting spreads and celebrating your wins with you—big or small. Share in the comments down below so I can cheer you on!

A Budget is a Plan, Not a Punishment

Budgeting isn’t about restriction—it’s about intention. It’s one of the most empowering things you can do for your future.

So grab your planner and some stickers, and let’s turn your financial chaos into confidence. One spread at a time.

Next week: “Daily Routines to Stay on Track”