I've been trying to get serious about budgeting lately because every month seems to just fly by and then I realize I barely saved anything. My income isn't huge—around $2800 a month after taxes—and I have rent, utilities, groceries, and a few subscriptions that eat up most of it. I’ve tried apps and spreadsheets, but I always end up feeling overwhelmed or forget to log expenses. One thing that's been a challenge is balancing paying off a small credit card debt while also trying to build up an emergency fund. Plus, I want to start putting away a little for retirement, but it feels like there’s never enough left at the end of the month. I’m also thinking about picking up a side gig, but I'm worried about burnout. Has anyone found simple ways to stick to a budget without it feeling like a punishment? How do you keep track of everything without obsessing over every penny? And if you’ve tried side hustles, what worked without taking over your life?

Totally get how budgeting can feel like a full-time job sometimes, especially when you’re juggling debt, savings, and retirement goals all at once. One thing that helped me was setting up automatic transfers - like a small amount going straight to savings and a fixed payment to the credit card right when my paycheck hits. That way, I don’t have to think about it or log every little expense, and it slowly builds up without feeling like a chore.

Also, since apps and spreadsheets felt overwhelming for you, maybe try a simple envelope system with cash for groceries and discretionary spending. It’s low-tech but keeps you aware without obsessing over every dollar. As for side gigs, I found that something flexible and low-commitment, like occasional freelance work or selling stuff online, helped me earn extra without burning out.