Let’s clear this up first: I don’t teach budgets. I teach spending plans. Because managing your money shouldn’t feel like punishment—it should feel like purpose.
In 2025, financial success doesn’t come from hustling harder. It comes from managing your money intentionally. That’s where my proven method: Money Motivation, Money Mindset, and Money Mechanics comes in. And spoiler alert: this isn’t your grandma’s budgeting class. We’re redefining financial freedom, one smart, confident spending decision at a time.
What a Spending Plan Is and Why It Matters for Your Money
A spending plan is your customized money strategy. It keeps your money on track, so you’re not left guessing where it went. Forget restriction—this is about direction.
Why It Matters:
- Money Motivation: You’re not randomly hoping to save. You’re intentionally building wealth.
- Money Mindset: You start believing that managing money is a form of self-respect, not self-denial.
- Money Mechanics: You learn the exact steps to turn income into outcomes.
COMING SOON: The Rich Life Blueprint
I’m beyond excited to announce that my signature A-to-Z personal finance course, The Rich Life Blueprint, is launching soon! This 10-module deep dive will walk you through every major money milestone, from building wealth to creating time freedom.
And Module 1? It’s a complete, customizable Spending Plan Guide, built with the TMSCPA Rulebook—real-life-tested strategies from yours truly. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to elevate your financial game, this blueprint will help you go from overwhelmed to empowered.
What Makes a Spending Plan So Powerful?
1. Know What You Actually Bring In
Track your net income (after taxes). Include:
- Full-time income
- Side hustle money
- Freelance gigs
- Passive income streams
Your spending plan starts with clarity. No guessing allowed.
2. Split Your Expenses Like a CEO
- Fixed: Rent, utilities, insurance
- Variable: Dining out, shopping, spontaneous Amazon therapy
This separation helps you spend with purpose, not panic.
3. Emergency Fund = Financial Armor
Life happens. But financial chaos doesn’t have to. Build a fund that covers 3–6 months of essentials and keep it in a separate savings account. No touching.
4. Save Like You Mean It
Treat saving like a bill you can’t ignore. Automate your goals for:
- Short-term needs (travel, gifts, holidays)
- Long-term goals (house, education, dream biz)
- Retirement (401(k), IRA, etc.)
Mindset shift: Saving is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.
5. Tackle Debt with Strategy
List all your debts, then choose your game plan:
- Snowball: Start small, win fast
- Avalanche: Start with the highest interest, save big
Debt doesn’t define you. But ignoring it will.
How to Create a Spending Plan in 6 Steps
Step 1: Calculate Net Income
Take the average of your last 3–6 months’ take-home pay and use your lowest month as your baseline.
Step 2: Track All Expenses for 30 Days
Yes, even that $5 matcha. Awareness is the first step to control.
Step 3: Categorize Like a Boss
Label your spending:
- Needs: Rent, bills, groceries
- Wants: Restaurants, Netflix, sneakers
- Goals: Savings and debt payoff
Your categories = your priorities.
Step 4: Set Goals That Speak to YOU
Example:
- Short-term: Build a $500 emergency fund
- Long-term: Pay off $10K in 24 months
Goals fuel motivation. No goals? No growth.
Step 5: Choose Your Method
Pick what feels right:
- Free Google Sheet
- TMSCPA custom template (coming soon)
- Apps like YNAB or Mint
Step 6: Adjust Monthly
Spending plans evolve as life does. Review and refine every 30 days. Make it a date, literally.
Popular Spending Plan Methods
1. 50/30/20 Rule
- 50% Needs
- 30% Wants
- 20% Savings & Debt
Balanced and beginner-friendly.
2. Zero-Based Planning
Every dollar gets a job. It’s high-maintenance, high-control.
3. Pay Yourself First
Before bills. Before brunch. Future you is a VIP. Treat her like it.
Tools That’ll Have Your Back
- YNAB – Best for zero-based budgeting
- Mint – For tracking and alerts
- EveryDollar – Easy and clean
- Google Sheets – Fully customizable
- Personal Capital – Combine budgeting and investing
Spending Plan Mistakes That Keep You Broke
- Forgetting irregular expenses (subscriptions, holidays, oil changes)
- Not tracking side hustle income
- Unrealistic goals (you can’t save $2,000 on a $3,000 income)
- Ignoring updates when life shifts
- Being too strict = burnout
Give yourself grace, but hold yourself accountable.
How to Stay Consistent Without Losing Your Sanity
Monthly “Money Date”
Review your plan, tweak where needed, and hype yourself up.
Automate Everything
Savings, bills, debt payments. Let your systems do the work.
Celebrate Small Wins
Hit a goal? Paid off a card? Throw some confetti (and maybe a pedicure).
Big News: GWWM Finance Drops End of 2025
I’m building something game-changing: Get Wealthy With Me Finance, a fully-integrated system to help you:
- Track your goals
- Map your money habits
- Grow your passive income streams
GWWM Finance is your modern toolkit for building wealth with strategy, style, and soul. Dropping late 2025. Stay tuned.
Final Word: Spending Plans Are Liberation Tools
Spending plans give you clarity, confidence, and a calm wallet. You don’t need more money. Use the money you have more wisely with a better plan.
So whether you’re behind on bills or ballin’ on a budget, start your spending plan today. You don’t need perfect conditions. Just a decision.
FAQ
Q: What’s the best method for beginners?
The 50/30/20 rule is simple, flexible, and powerful. It helps balance essentials, enjoyment, and future savings, perfect for building a strong habit without overwhelm.
Q: How much should I save each month?
Start with 10–20%. Even 5% is better than nothing. What matters is building the habit, not the amount. As you start earning more, try to save a bit more too.
Q: Will this help me pay off debt faster?
Yes! Spending plans = intention. Intention = results. Budgeting exposes spending leaks that can be redirected to debt. Focused planning shortens your payoff timeline significantly.
Q: When should I review my plan?
Monthly. Your life isn’t static. Your plan shouldn’t be either. Use a recurring “money date” to reassess and adjust. Consistent reviews improve accuracy and goal alignment.
