Simple Budgeting System for Mums

Simple Budgeting System: A Simple Approach to Managing Your Money

Hello, lovely readers! Today, we’re diving into something that affects all of us, including us mothers — budgeting.

Specifically, the simple basics of budgeting that will help you reduce stress, gain clarity, and, most importantly, feel more in control of your finances.

If you’ve been feeling a bit lost when it comes to your money, or you’re not sure where all your dollars are going, then this episode of The Mum Wellbeing Podcast (and this corresponding blog post) is for you. We’re going to talk through a few straightforward tips to help you get on track.

**But before we jump in, if you're a regular listener of my podcast and you're enjoying the episodes, I’d love for you to leave a five-star review on your podcast platform—Spotify, Apple Podcasts, wherever you listen. Your support really helps us grow and ensures this podcast reaches more women who need it. Similarly, if you regularly read my blog, or feel more equipped as a result, I’d love you to share! So, thank you for helping us spread the word!

Looking for a simple budgeting system? These three tips give insight into how to manage your money as a stay at home mum - and as a working mum, too! #budgetingmom #budgeting #simplebudget

Simple Budgeting System for Mums who (just might) feel Overwhelmed

Tip 1: Understand Your Expenditure

The first step in simplifying your budget is understanding exactly what you’re spending—and where. I cannot stress this enough. If you don’t know where your money is going, it’s hard to make meaningful changes.

The tool I use and love for this is the Simple Home Budget Template, which is a Google Sheets calculator that makes tracking your expenses a breeze. All you have to do is plug in your regular spending, and it works out everything for you—weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.

What does this include? Everything. Your mortgage, bills (water, electricity, medical insurance), groceries, fuel, even pet-related expenses. Once you’ve accounted for all of this, you’ll know exactly what you need to set aside each week. For example, if you know you need to save $20 per week for your electricity bill, that’s $20 you can automatically set aside, and when the bill comes, you’ll be ready.

This step of my Simple Budgeting System is crucial because it gives you a clear picture of your finances and allows you to proactively budget in a way that’s realistic for your family - and saves those big arguments over money, too.

Tip 2: Try a Cash System

Now, let’s talk about the simplest part of a simple budgeting system - the cash system. Yes, it might sound old-fashioned, but trust me, it works. After years of trial and error, I’ve learned that using cash for certain expenses—especially grocery shopping—has been a game changer.

Here’s how it works: You decide how much you’re going to spend each week (say, $300 for groceries), take that amount out in cash, and use only that money for your shopping.

When you’re working with physical cash, it becomes easier to track your spending. And yes, I’ve had moments where I forgot to buy an item, like paper towels or eggs, but that’s part of the process. It takes time to get the hang of it, and this is where meal planning can make all the difference.

A meal plan helps eliminate that overwhelming feeling of, "What’s for dinner tonight?"—and it stops you from running to the store last minute or ordering takeaway food. I personally love using a weekly meat selection and planning meals around that. It’s flexible, and you’re not stressing about what's for dinner each night - and you can be creative if you like, or not!

If you’re not sure how to get started with meal planning, I’d be happy to help! You can always reach out to me for some support, if you have dietary restrictions like we do in our family, or even if you’re just overwhelmed with how to get started and want to get it all done and dusted with a bit of help! Book here (it says emotional health sessions but the booking system is the same as life coaching!)

If you feel overwhelmed in life with small (or big) kids, around money, health or stress - jump into my monthly coaching calls or even an individual session to get your head clearer!

Tip 3: Automate Your Savings

The third and final part of my simple budgeting system I want to share with you today, is one of my favorites—automating your savings. This has been a lifesaver for us, especially when we need to save for things like holidays or unexpected expenses.

Once you’ve figured out your weekly or monthly budget, you can set up an automatic transfer to a separate savings account. For example, if you want to save $100 each week, set it up so that the money is transferred automatically as soon as you get paid. This way, it’s out of sight and out of mind—but still building up in the background. Over the course of a year, that’s $5,200 saved. And you won’t even miss it. I also recommend that this separate savings account is with a different bank - and has great savings bonuses! I love ING and their Savings Maximiser account!

I also recommend automating transfers for bills—whether it’s your electricity or mortgage payments. (This is what I do after doing Tip #1 in this list, so you know how much per week or fortnight, to put away!) This helps you stay on top of things, knowing the money is already set aside for those expenses.

Final Thoughts: Budgeting Isn’t Just About Money, It’s About Wellbeing

Budgeting can feel overwhelming, especially when you have a growing family -that food bill - and the demands of everyday life. But I truly believe that money management is an essential part of holistic wellbeing. When your finances are organized, it reduces stress, supports your mental health, and even strengthens your relationships.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about where to start, I’m here to help. I offer coaching sessions, where we can go over your finances, meal planning, and even work on automating your savings. It’s all about making your life simpler and more stress-free.

Thanks so much for reading, and joining me here! I’m cheering you on as you work towards taking control of your finances and creating more peace and balance in your life!

Remember, budgeting isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating the life you want to live. Take a deep breath, get your finances in order, and keep moving forward.

Have a beautiful day, and I’ll see you soon!

With love,
Miranda

Get the Simple Home Budget Template right here!

Looking for a simple budgeting system? These three tips give insight into how to manage your money as a stay at home mum - and as a working mum, too! #budgetingmom #budgeting #simplebudget