The Baddie Financial Reset: How to Budget, Cash Stuff, and Glow Up Your Money

Sis, Let's Talk Money!

Alright ladies, let's keep it real, sometimes life be lifin'. We love a soft life, but the soft life requires that the funds are in order. That's where this financial glow-up guide comes in! Whether you're fresh out of high school, balancing bills and kids, or making boss moves, money management is the key to securing the bag without the stress every first of the month.

I've paired this guide with cash stuffing savings challenges because sometimes seeing your money in the flesh is the best motivation to be intentional with your spending. Get ready to level up your finances while still enjoying life (yes girl, we're budgeting for the hair appointments and the vacations). 

Money Management 101

Before we start cash stuffing envelopes, let's get the money together. Managing your finances is all about knowing where your money is coming from and where it's going.

Here's how to do that:

• Track your spending - "Girl math" only works if you actually have the funds to back it up.
• Separate your needs from your wants - Do you need the daily iced coffee, or can you make do with homemade lattes?
• Automate your bills & savings - List your bills and due dates then set it and forget it.
• Emergency Fund = Life Saver - The unexpected expected expenses WILL come...make sure you're ready when they do.

Creating a Budget: The Real MVP

Budgeting doesn't automatically mean restrictions. It's about being intentional with your money and making your money work for you.

Of course you'll need to know exactly what you bring in each month and list exactly what goes out...we'll go more into the specifics of budgets later. I'm just scratching the surface for now.

1. The 50/30/20 Budget (For the Balanced Baddie)
2. • 50% Needs (Rent, Utilities, Food)
   • 30% Wants (Nails, Vacations, Brunch)
   • 20% Savings & Debt Payoff
     

       2. The Zero - Based Budget (For the Girl Who Likes a Plan)

         Every dollar gets a job, so at the end of the month, your income minus expenses                 equals zero. 

       3. The Cash Envelope System (For the Cash Stuffing Queen)

         Perfect if you like to see your money physically. Allocate cash to categories like                   groceries, fun money, and savings, and when it's gone, it's gone!

Credit Basics: Get Your Score Up, Sis

Your credit score is your financial reputation. You want to it to be elite so you can easily get approved for major things like a house, car, or credit cards. Here's how to boss up your credit:

• Pay your bills ON TIME, EVERYTIME - Even if it's just the minimum...reported late payments are not cute.
• Keep your credit utilization under 30% - Maxing out your credit cards doesn't give responsible.
• Don't close old accounts - Credit history and credit age are key!
• Check your credit report regularly - Fraud is rampant and sometimes creditors get it wrong too. Don't allow the scammers or an incorrect entry mess up your financial future.

Paying Off Debt: Escape the Broke Cycle

Being in debt feels like you're drowning financially. On one hand, you make decent money but after all expenses are met you're left with nothing. Here's how to get out of the debt trap:

• The Snowball Method - Pay the smallest debt first for quick wins. Once the first debt is paid off, you take the amount you allocated for that and add it to Debt #2 along with its monthly payment. Continue until all debts are paid.
• The Avalanche Method - Pay off debts from highest interest rate to the lowest. This will save you the most money in the long run.
• Side Hustle for Extra Moolah - Sometimes your 9-5 isn't enough.
• Negotiate Your Bills - Call your service providers and ask for discounts and call your credit card companies and ask for lower interest rates. The worst they can say is "no".

Saving Money: Broke Is Never the Aesthetic 

Sis, your savings account should be giving secure, not struggling. Whether you're saving for an emergency, vacation, or a down payment on a house, here's how to build your stash:

• Start small and be consistent - Even $10 a week adds up.
• Use cash stuffing savings challenges - Saving can definitely be fun!
• Hide your savings from yourself - Move it to a separate account so you're not tempted to dip into it.
• Set goals with deadlines - "I want to save $1000 by X date" keeps you focused.

Retirement: Your Future Self Will Thank You

Listen, I know retirement seems like its forever away, but starting early means your money has time to grow. Here's the cheat code:

• 401(k) with employer match = FREE MONEY!
• Roth IRA = Tax free money in retirement.
• Invest in index funds & let your money work for you.
• The earlier you start , the less you save overall!

Why Saving Money is the Ultimate Baddie Move

Saving money gives you options, peace of mind, and financial freedom. Whether you're avoiding financial stress, planning a dream trip, or just want the security of knowing you got it, stacking your savings is a major flex.

That's where cash stuffing savings challenges come in to play! These challenges make saving feel like a game, and before you know it, you'll have stacks on stacks. Whether it's a FU Money Challenge, a $5 challenge, or a holiday fund, there's a challenge that fits your vibe.

Final Word: Let's Get This Moolah!

You've made it through the guide and now its time to take action. Budget like a boss, stack your savings, pay down debt, and watch your finances glow up. Let's get to stuffing those envelopes and securing our financial future, one dollar at a time!

Ready? Let's do this!