Life Be Life-ing, but the Budget Still Needs Attention
Let’s be honest: budgeting when you're motivated and have energy is one thing. But trying to budget when you're exhausted, overwhelmed, or just trying to make it to the weekend? That’s a whole different story.
I’ve had many moments on my financial journey where I felt like saying, “Forget this budget, I’m tired.”
But the thing is we have to keep going even when we are not motivated, it's hard but possible.
I can do and so can you!
My Budget Journey: The Exhausted Edition
When I first started budgeting seriously, I had over in over $100K of student loan debt.
I also had credit cards and car loan to pay off, and the idea of budgeting for yet another thing, let alone a major expense like student loans, felt draining.
There were weeks and days where:
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I was working full-time and side hustling on weekends with DoorDash
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My husband and I were navigating career changes and financial uncertainty
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I was trying to create YouTube content, build my brand, and still manage our household
The stress was real. But so was the vision.
Honestly, the stress is still very real!
💡 What Helped And Is Helping Me Stay on Track (Even When I'm Tired)
Here are the practical things I do to stick to my budget when I barely have the energy to think:
1. I Simplify the Process
If budgeting feels like another full-time job, you won’t stick with it.
I created a pen-and-paper budget system using my "Mo’ Budget, Less Problems Digital Budget Planner" so I could:
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Visually track where every dollar was going
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Keep things flexible but structured
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Plan paycheck-by-paycheck, not just monthly
When life got overwhelming, the simplicity of my system made it easier to keep going, because it is repetitive.
2. I Gave Myself Grace
Some months I go over budget. Some weeks I completely forget to check my sinking funds.
But instead of quitting, I reminded myself:
“I am human and try again, next month!”
Budgeting isn’t about being flawless. It’s about being faithful to your goals, even in imperfect moments.
3. I Automate What I Can
Automation is the tired girl’s best friend. 🙌🏾
I set up:
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Auto-transfers to savings
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Automatic debt payments
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Email alerts for low balances
It takes a partial load off my mental plate and makes sure I don’t fall behind even when I'm not fully “on it.”
4. I Review My Budget When I Have Alone Time
Instead of waiting for a big sit-down budget session, I’d check in:
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While sipping my morning coffee
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On Sunday evenings while prepping for the week
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After a payday, while winding down
Tiny 5-10 minute check-ins made it less overwhelming and helped me feel more in control.
5. I Focus on My WHY
This one is everything.
I want to:
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Be debt-free
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Buy a home
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Have financial peace
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Leave a legacy—not bills
So even on the hard days, I’d pull out my planner and remember what I’m building toward.
🧠 Reminders for When You Want to Quit Budgeting
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You don’t have to do it perfectly—just consistently.
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Budgeting doesn’t mean no fun—it means intentional fun.
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You can adjust the plan, but don’t abandon the goal.
✨ The Payoff is Worth It
Thanks to staying consistent, my husband and I:
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Paid off our car loans early (with a starting balance of $10K+)
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Crushed our credit card debt
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Tackled over $47,000 in student loan payments so far
And we’re still going.
If we can do this while juggling jobs, side hustles, stress, and real life—you can too.
💬 Final Words: Budgeting Isn’t Just a Money Thing, It’s a Mindset
When you’re tired, stressed, or overwhelmed, budgeting can feel like one more thing on your plate. But I promise you, staying committed to your plan will give you more peace, more power, and more progress.
Even if all you can do this week is check your bank balance, update your tracker, or say “no” to one impulse buy—that’s a win. You’re showing up for your future.
📥 Ready to Simplify Budgeting?
Grab one of my digital budget planner — made for tired folks, busy parents, side hustlers, and anyone who just wants to get their finances together without losing their minds.
👉🏾 Click here to download the planner today