Step-by-Step Budgeting Advice from Tevan Asaturi

💬The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything

It was a Monday morning in early March when I realized I was broke.

Not “skip-the-coffee-run” broke. I’m talking about “rent-is-due-and-my-card-declined” broke. I stared at my online banking app, heart racing, as I calculated how to make $78 last until payday. I had a full-time job, no crazy debt, and yet… I felt completely financially out of control.

That was the moment I knew something had to change.

Hi, I’m Tevan Asaturi, and if you’ve ever felt financially lost, overwhelmed by expenses, or like you’re constantly one unexpected bill away from crisis, I want you to know—you’re not alone. And there is a way forward.

In this guide, I’m going to break down step-by-step budgeting advice that helped me move from financial chaos to financial advice—without needing a finance degree or a six-figure salary.

🧠 Why Budgeting Isn’t About Restriction—It’s About Freedom

Most people hear the word “budget” and think of sacrifice: no fun, no lattes, no life. But that’s the biggest myth in personal finance.

“A budget isn’t a cage—it’s a roadmap to freedom.”

When you know where your money is going, you gain control. That control brings peace of mind, flexibility, and, most importantly, choice.

And in a time when 63% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck (LendingClub, 2023), budgeting has never been more critical.

✍️ Step 1: Know Your “Why”

Before you start crunching numbers, ask yourself:

• Why do I want to budget?
  
• What would financial stability look like for me?
  
• How would it feel to not stress about money?

Your “why” might be building an emergency fund, saving for a house, or just sleeping better at night. Write it down. This motivation will keep you going when budgeting feels tough.

“Money goals are more powerful when they’re tied to personal meaning.”

📊 Step 2: Track Your Spending (No Judgment!)

For one full month, track everything you spend.

Yes, even that $4.25 iced coffee. 🍹

You can use tools like:

• Mint
  
• YNAB (You Need A Budget)
  
• A simple spreadsheet or notebook
  

The goal here isn’t to feel bad. It’s to gather data. Because you can’t fix what you can’t see.

💡 Tip: Categorize your spending into groups like:

• Housing
  
• Transportation
  
• Groceries
  
• Dining out
  
• Entertainment
  
• Subscriptions

You might be shocked to see how much “leaks” from small, mindless purchases.

🧾 Step 3: Calculate Your Real Income

This step sounds obvious, but many people budget based on their gross income (before taxes). That leads to overestimating what they can actually spend.

Here’s what you want:

• Total take-home pay after taxes, health insurance, and retirement contributions.

If you’re paid irregularly (like freelancers or gig workers), average your last 3–6 months to find a reliable baseline.

“Budget with the money you actually have—not the money you wish you had.”

📐 Step 4: Choose a Budgeting Method That Works for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all method, so here are a few popular ones to consider:

📍 1. The 50/30/20 Rule

• 50% → Needs (rent, bills, groceries)

• 30% → Wants (eating out, Netflix)

• 20% → Savings & debt repayment

Perfect for beginners and those who want a simple framework.

🧮 2. Zero-Based Budgeting

Every dollar has a job. Income – Expenses = $0.

Ideal if you want total control and visibility.

💼 3. Envelope or Cash Method

Divide cash into envelopes (or digital categories) for each spending type.

Great if you overspend on cards or want a tactile approach.

I personally started with the 50/30/20 rule, then transitioned to zero-based budgeting once I got the hang of it.

💰 Step 5: Build an Emergency Fund First

Before tackling debt or investing, focus on creating a basic emergency fund.

Aim for $1,000–$2,000 to start, then work toward 3–6 months of expenses.

According to Bankrate, only 44% of Americans could cover a $1,000 emergency with savings (Bankrate, 2023). This safety net is vital for financial stability.

“An emergency fund turns a crisis into an inconvenience.”

💳 Step 6: Tackle Debt Strategically

Once your emergency fund is in place, it’s time to take on debt.

Two popular strategies:

🧊 Debt Snowball

Pay off the smallest debts first for quick wins and motivation.

🔥 Debt Avalanche

Pay off highest-interest debts first to save money long term.

Pick whichever method helps you stay consistent.

💡 Tip: Use free tools like Undebt.it to map out your debt strategy.

📅 Step 7: Automate Everything You Can

Willpower fades, but automation sticks.

• Auto-transfer savings the day you get paid 💸

• Schedule recurring bill payments

• Use budgeting apps with alerts for overspending

This keeps your financial plan running even on your busiest days.

“Automation is the cheat code to staying consistent with your budget.”

📈 Step 8: Check In Monthly

Once a month, sit down with your budget and ask:

• What worked?

• Where did I overspend?

• What adjustments do I need?

Think of this as your financial check-up—just like brushing your teeth or exercising.

Celebrate small wins! Paid off a credit card? Saved $200? That’s a big deal.

🧭 Step 9: Set Long-Term Goals

Once you’ve got your monthly budget humming, dream a little.

• Want to buy a home?

• Travel to Bali?

• Start a business?

Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and work backward from them.

“Budgeting isn’t about saying ‘no’—it’s about saying ‘yes’ to what matters most.”

🧠 Step 10: Keep Learning & Stay Inspired

The journey to financial stability is ongoing. Surround yourself with motivation:

• Listen to The Ramsey Show

• Follow creators like Tiffany Aliche (The Budgetnista)

• Read books like I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi

Knowledge fuels confidence—and confidence keeps you going.

🎯 Final Thoughts from Tevan Asaturi

I didn’t grow up learning about money. Like many of you, I figured it out the hard way—with late fees, panic, and a lot of Google searches.

But here’s what I’ve learned:

“Financial stability isn’t about being rich. It’s about being ready.”

Ready for life. Ready for emergencies. Ready to enjoy your money without fear.

If I can do it, you can too. Start small, stay consistent, and give yourself grace. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.

✅ Quick Recap: Budgeting Steps at a Glance

1. Know your “why”

2. Track your spending

3. Calculate real income

4. Pick a budget method

5. Build an emergency fund

6. Tackle debt strategically

7. Automate what you can

8. Check in monthly

9. Set long-term goals

10. Keep learning

❓ FAQs: Budgeting with Tevan Asaturi

1. What’s the best budgeting method for beginners?

The 50/30/20 rule is simple and effective. It’s a great way to ease into budgeting without getting overwhelmed.

2. How much should I have in my emergency fund?

Start with $1,000, then work toward 3–6 months of essential expenses for true financial stability.

3. What’s better: debt snowball or avalanche?

Both work. Choose the debt snowball for motivation or avalanche for maximum savings.

4. How often should I update my budget?

Check in monthly to make small tweaks and ensure you’re staying on track.

5. Can I still enjoy life while budgeting?

Absolutely! Budgeting helps you spend intentionally, not stop spending altogether. It’s about control, not deprivation.