Trending insights to being in the loop
Whether you’re in debt, constantly dipping into your overdraft, or just can’t seem to make your income stretch, it can feel like there’s no way out. The good news? You can take back control — and it starts with a financial reset.
This post will walk you through how to budget from zero — even if you’re starting with more month than money. No shame, no jargon. Just structure, support, and small steps.
Step 1: Take a Breath — Mindset Comes First
Before you touch a spreadsheet or look at your bank account, pause.
You are not a failure. You’re not bad with money. You’ve just never had the right system — or the right mindset — to support you.
Shame is what keeps people stuck. But progress starts with grace.
Step 2: Track What’s Really Going On
Most people avoid their finances because it feels too stressful. But awareness is powerful.
Most people avoid their finances because it feels too stressful. But awareness is powerful.
Write it down. No judgement — just information.
Use your phone, a notebook, or a printable tracker like the one in our free Budget Reset Starter Pack.
This gives you the clearest picture of what’s actually happening with your money — and where your energy needs to go.
Step 3: List Your Debts (Without Panic)
If you’re in debt, facing it head-on can feel terrifying. But knowledge is power.
Make a simple debt list:
- Who do you owe?
- What’s the balance?
- What’s the interest rate?
- What’s the minimum monthly payment?
That’s it. This isn’t about shame — it’s about strategy.
Step 4: Build Your “Survival Budget”
You don’t need a perfect budget. You need one that helps you survive and start to breathe again.
Start with:
- Income — what actually lands in your account each month
- Essentials — housing, food, transport, utilities
- Minimum debt payments — to avoid penalties
- Buffer — even £10/month is a win
Be kind but honest. And build in a little space for life — we’re not robots.
If you want help building this, the Starter Pack includes a printable template and walkthrough.
Step 5: Focus on Small Wins
This is where momentum begins.
- Debt snowflake: Find tiny extra bits of money (£5 here, £10 there) and put them toward your smallest debt.
- £100 buffer fund: Start saving the smallest amount possible, even £1/week. You’re building a financial buffer between you and the next emergency.
Small wins build confidence. And confidence builds consistency.
Bonus: Use the Power of Routine
You don’t need to obsess. Just check in once a week.
Set a 15-minute “Money Monday” (or any day you like). Review your tracker, check your spending, and adjust. That habit alone changes everything.
Ready to Reset? Start with the Free Budget Reset Starter Pack
This 7-day printable guide will walk you step-by-step through this entire process — with checklists, templates, and encouragement along the way.
You don’t need to be good with money to start.
But you do need to start.