Build a budget that reflects your life, not just your bills: A simple guide
Most people think budgeting is about cutting back. Spreadsheets. Guilt. “No, you can’t have that.”
But a good budget doesn’t just track where your money goes. It helps you decide where you want it to go next.
That’s what this workbook is for.
The Wealthbit Simple Budgeting Workbook is practical, easy to use and built around your personal goals.
It’s not about guilt or restriction. It’s about clarity and confidence, knowing where your money goes and making sure it takes you where you want to be.
You can use it to:
- See your financial picture more clearly
- Build a plan that works month-to-month
- Make sure your money is aligned with what you actually care about
Download the workbook: This tool could be the start of a whole new level of financial freedom tomorrow.
You can get your copy below 👇
What’s inside
The workbook is structured around six sections. Each one is simple, but builds on the last.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Start with your life goals
What you’ll do:
Go to the “Life Goals” part of the sheet. Write down a few things that matter to you, big or small. It could be paying off your student loan. Buying an e-bike. Taking a sabbatical.
Next to the name of each one, add:
• A rough total cost (even a ballpark is fine)
• A timeframe (short-, mid-, or long-term)
Then think about which ones you want to start saving towards each month and allocate a sane monthly sum to them. For example, if your goal is a trip to Japan in July 2027 that will cost around R60K, you could plan to save R3,500 each month toward it.
Why it matters:
Most people try to “fit goals in” after they’ve paid for everything else.
We flipped this on its head. It forces your goals to compete with your expenses, so you can decide what’s worth it.
Think of this as putting your values at the top of your spreadsheet. That way, your budget starts with yes, not no.
Step 2: Understand your starting point
What you’ll do:
In the main sheet, fill in:
• All your income streams (salary, side hustle, etc.)
• Your fixed monthly costs - rent, insurance, subscriptions, school fees.
Not sure where to find this info? Check your monthly statements such as bank statements, credit card statements, contracts, or budgeting apps for recurring expenses.
Why it matters:
You can’t steer your money if you don’t know where it’s already going.
This section shows you what’s locked in - and what’s flexible.
Step 3: Prioritise your future
What you’ll do:
Now fill in:
• Any debt repayments (credit cards, loans)
• Contributions to emergency funds or buffer savings
• Retirement or long-term investments
Why it matters:
This is the part most people skip and the reason they feel stuck.
A good budget doesn’t just help you “make it through the month.” It helps you build choices for later. Choices your future self will benefit from, like retiring early or having enough saved to replace your washing machine when it breaks down.
Even if it’s R200/month. Make it consistent, and it starts to compound.
Step 4: Look at your real-life spending
What you’ll do:
Next, map out your flexible costs. These are the ones that change month to month:
• Groceries
• Eating out
• Petrol
• Clothing
• Anything else you spend money on regularly
(Note: These categories should reflect your real life)
Why it matters:
Knowing your money habits is important so you are not just running on default when life gets busy.
Track these expenses for three months in the second tab of the workbook and use the average as your guide.
Once you see what’s normal, you can decide what’s worth tweaking.
Remember: This isn’t about cutting. It’s about choosing.
Step 5: Build in joy - on purpose
What you’ll do:
Use the “fun funds” and “throwaway” lines to add things like:
• Birthday expenses
• Spontaneous nights out
• Little luxuries (coffee runs, hobbies, whatever brings you joy)
Why it matters:
Most people leave this part out - and then feel like they “failed” when they spend on something fun.
A better plan? Budget for joy.
That way, you can say yes to things you love, without guilt or chaos.
Note: Set up a specific savings account for these expenses so you do not accidentally spend the money.
Step 6: Use your monthly tracker
What you’ll do:
Head to the “Monthly Tracker” tab. This is where you log what actually happened.
You don’t have to do this daily. A weekly check-in is enough to see:
• Where you’re on track
• Where things slipped
• What to tweak next month
Why it matters:
Setting up a budget is the easy part. Sticking to it is the real challenge. This turns your budget from a one-off plan into a living system.
Review it regularly, make small tweaks, and focus on progress rather than perfection.
Interested in doing our budgeting email course? Sign up here:
This tool is also used in the Financial Freedom Programme, where we help teams stress less about money and build smarter systems.