I've been trying to get my finances in order for a while now, but every time I sit down to budget, it feels like a lot. I track my bills and expenses somewhat loosely, and I know I should save more, but it’s hard to figure out where to start without stressing myself out. I make around $3,000 a month after taxes, and my fixed bills take up most of that, leaving me just enough for groceries and a little fun. I’m also thinking about starting a small side gig to boost my income, but I’m not sure what’s doable with my limited free time. The stress around money has been creeping into my day-to-day, making me feel a bit stuck. Would love to hear from anyone who’s been in the same spot—how did you begin budgeting without it taking over your life? Also, any tips for side hustles that don’t require tons of upfront effort would be great!

Money stress can really weigh you down, so it’s great you’re looking for ways to make budgeting less overwhelming. One thing that helped me was starting with just one small goal—like tracking only my fixed bills for a month to get a clear picture, then slowly adding variable expenses. No need to do it all at once! Apps like Mint or EveryDollar can make this less painful by organizing things automatically, so you don’t have to do all the math.

For side gigs, something low-effort and flexible like selling handmade items online, tutoring, or even simple freelance tasks (writing, data entry) might fit your schedule without burning you out. I found that even a couple of hours a week can add up without feeling like a second full-time job. Remember, small steps count, and it’s okay to take it slow.