This is the story of why I started a budgeting blog — and how it’s changed the way I think about money.
I started Bare Budgeting because I got sick of personal finance advice that felt more like math homework than actual help.
Every time I searched for how to save money, I landed on blogs filled with spreadsheets, subscription trackers, or tips for cutting out your $5 coffee habit — from people making $250K a year.
Meanwhile, I was earning just enough to cover rent in a small apartment in a mid-sized city — not broke, but not building wealth either. I wasn’t drowning, but I wasn’t moving forward. Every month felt like treading water.
That’s when I realized:
There are thousands of people like me, just trying to live a full life on a small budget.
This blog is for us.
What Bare Budgeting Is
Bare Budgeting is a minimalist approach to personal finance. I cut through the noise and give you the systems, habits, and tools that actually move the needle — no fluff, no guilt, no finance degree required.
I’ve cut my monthly expenses down to less than $1,400/month, and this blog shows you how I did it — and how you can, too.
What I’ve Learned So Far
Starting a budgeting blog has been one of the most eye-opening things I’ve ever done — not just for my finances, but for how I think about money, freedom, and contentment.
The biggest lesson? You don’t need to make six figures to take control of your financial life. What you need is clarity, intention, and a system that fits your actual lifestyle — not someone else’s.
I’ve learned how to live well on less, not by depriving myself, but by focusing on what actually matters. That meant cutting out the stuff I didn’t care about and doubling down on the few things that made me feel secure, creative, and grounded.
I also realized how many people are in the same boat — living paycheck to paycheck, not because they’re irresponsible, but because the system isn’t designed for them to win. Budgeting became my way of reclaiming some power in that equation.
Since I started this blog, I’ve had conversations with readers who felt seen for the first time. People who said, “Finally, someone’s talking about budgeting without spreadsheets or shame.” That’s when I knew this wasn’t just about me — it was about all of us.
If you’re thinking about starting your own budgeting journey, or maybe even your own blog, my advice is simple: Start with what’s real. Your real numbers. Your real habits. Your real life.
The rest will follow.
What You Can Expect
Here’s what I’ll be sharing here:
- 💸 Real-world breakdowns of how I live on a bare-bones budget in Newport Beach
- 🧠 Mental shifts and mindset tweaks that helped me stop impulse spending
- 📱 Honest reviews of budgeting apps like Rocket Money and YNAB (affiliate-ready links coming soon)
- 🧰 Free tools, templates, and challenges to simplify your money
Whether you’re working an hourly job, freelancing to stay afloat, or rebuilding your finances after a setback — you’re in the right place.
My Promise
- I won’t preach stuff I haven’t done myself
- I won’t shame you for spending money on things that make your life better
- I will always focus on progress over perfection
- And I’ll do my best to help you earn more, save more, and stress less – on your own terms
👉 Start here if you want to dive into the best tools and first steps
📰 Or head over to the Blog to read what’s new
Thanks for being here,
Will