Let’s be honest—nothing is more frustrating than putting time and effort into creating a budget, only to have it fall apart by the middle of the month.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why even bother? Budgeting just doesn’t work for me,” you’re not alone. But the good news? A broken budget doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it just means it’s time to pivot.

5 Types of Budgets (And Which One Works Best)

Let’s be honest—budgeting when you’re broke feels impossible. How can you manage money when it feels like there’s nothing to manage? The truth is, you need a budget the most when money is tight. A good budget gives your money purpose, power, and direction—even if there’s not much of it.

Whether you’re living paycheck to paycheck, drowning in debt, or just trying to stay afloat, this guide will show you how to take control of your finances and choose a budgeting method that actually works for your life.

When people think about financial freedom, they often think of numbers: income, expenses, debt, credit scores. But true financial freedom starts long before the budget. It starts in your heart—with forgiveness.

And not just forgiving others… forgiving yourself.

Money mindset is one of the most powerful tools we have—but it’s also one of the most overlooked. If you’ve ever felt like you're stuck financially, always behind, or like money is just hard, then financial affirmations might be what helps you shift things in a new direction.

But not just any affirmations—the ones that actually help are the ones that feel believable, doable, and empowering.

When you’re struggling with money—or even just feeling stuck—it’s easy to let fear, frustration, or doubt shape your thoughts. But here's the truth: your words have power. As Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” That means what you say about your finances matters. A lot.

Speaking life over your finances isn’t just about being positive—it’s about aligning your thoughts, words, and actions with hope, faith, and truth. Let’s explore how to shift your financial atmosphere by using your voice with purpose and power.

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I’m just bad with money”?

If so, you’re not alone — but I want to gently challenge that belief today. Because what if the problem isn’t you, but the story you've been telling yourself?

As a financial coach, one of the first things I help my clients do is reframe this kind of thinking. Why? Because how you speak about yourself directly shapes your habits, your confidence, and your results. So let’s talk about how to shift this damaging phrase into something that empowers you.

For many of us, money has always felt like a struggle.

It’s not just the numbers in the bank account — it’s the weight behind them. It’s the stories we were told growing up. It’s the mindset we inherited without even realizing it.

So, I want to ask a bold question:

Is poverty a curse?

I don’t mean a magical spell or something superstitious. I mean: is poverty passed down like a heavy backpack we were never meant to carry?

Let’s talk about it.

We’ve all made money mistakes. Maybe it was maxing out a credit card, taking out a loan we couldn’t afford, ignoring a budget, or just not knowing any better at the time. Whatever your situation, it can feel heavy — like a weight you carry with you every time you check your bank account or think about the future.

But here’s the truth: you are not your past money choices.

Your past does not define your potential. And healing is absolutely possible.

1. You’re living paycheck to paycheck

If you’ve ever felt buried under debt, you’re not alone — and you're not without tools. Two popular and very different ways to pay off debt are the Debt Snowball and what I like to call the Debt Volcano.

Let’s get real for a second—most people think the only way to fix their money problems is by making more money. While yes, more income can help, it’s not the magic solution. I’ve seen people making six figures who still live paycheck to paycheck. And I’ve seen others with modest incomes build wealth, crush debt, and create financial peace. The difference? It’s not the paycheck. It’s the mindset.

It all begins with an idea.In 2023, a report from LendingClub found that 62% of Americans—**including 40% of those earning over $100,000 a year—are living paycheck to paycheck.

How is that possible? How can someone make six figures and still be broke?

It’s simple: it's what most people do. Out of sight, out of mind.

Everyone is chasing the same American dream: the nice house, the fancy car, the “good job,” and all the hobbies. A motorcycle here, a dirt bike there… and of course, the boat and jet skis.

When you're struggling financially, trying to get ahead, or wanting to build a better future, it's easy to feel stuck or confused about what kind of help you actually need. Maybe you’ve heard of financial coaches and financial advisors—but what’s the difference? And more importantly, which one is right for you?

In this post, I’ll break it down clearly so you can make the best choice for where you are on your financial journey.