HOW TO START BUDGETING EVEN IF YOU'RE BROKE

 

💡 Introduction: Why Budgeting Is Still Possible Without Money

Think you're too broke to budget? Think again.
Even if your wallet feels lighter than a feather, budgeting isn’t just for the rich—it’s a lifeline when money is tight. In fact, the less money you have, the more important it is to track every sen.

This guide will walk you through how to start budgeting when you're broke, step-by-step—no jargon, no complicated math.

🪙 Step 1: Know Exactly How Broke You Are (Track Everything)

Before you budget, you need to know what’s coming in and going out—even if it’s almost nothing.

✅ Write down:

• Your monthly income (even if it’s RM0, list side gigs, cash jobs, help from family)

• Your fixed expenses (rent, loans, utility bills)

• Your variable expenses (food, transport, top-up, etc.)

📌 Tip: Use free apps like Spendee, Wallet, or Excel/Google Sheets.

✂️ Step 2: Cut Ruthlessly – Needs vs Wants

When you’re broke, survival is the goal.
Ask yourself:

“If I don’t pay for this, will something terrible happen?”

✅ Keep:

• Food

• Rent

• Basic utilities

• Transport to work/interview

❌ Cut or reduce:

• Subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify)

• Eating out

• Impulse Shopee buys

• Grab rides (try walking or bus if possible)

 

📊Step 3: Use a Zero-Based Budget

This method means every ringgit has a job—even if you're broke.

Example with RM500:

Expense Category	Amount (RM)
Food	200
Transport	100
Rent/Shared Bills	150
Savings (Yes!)	20
Emergency Fund	30

💡 Why this works: You don’t leave any money "unassigned", so you won’t spend it blindly.

🧠 Step 4: Prioritize Survival First, Then Stability

When you're struggling:

1. Survival Mode: Make sure you can eat, sleep, and move.

2. Stability Mode: Build small habits like saving RM1/day.

3. Growth Mode: Plan for more income (side hustle, skills).

 

💵Step 5: Increase Income, Not Just Cut Costs

You can only save so much—but you can always earn more.
Here’s how broke people boost income fast:

• Offer freelance services (Canva, writing, delivery)

• Sell unwanted items (old phone, books, clothes)

• Join part-time jobs (food delivery, cashier, etc.)

• Learn free skills (try Google Digital Garage or Coursera)

🔁 Step 6: Review Your Budget Weekly

Money changes fast when you're broke.
📅 Set a 10-minute weekly check-in:

• Did I overspend?

• What can I do better next week?

• Any new expenses coming?

🌱 Conclusion: You’re Not Stuck Forever

Being broke is temporary—but budgeting gives you control over what comes next. It’s not about restriction, it’s about direction.
The first RM10 you manage well builds the habit for your first RM1,000 later.

Start now. Even if it's just RM10.