Money✓ Follow-up at 8 weeks2,670 views
I've never been good with money and I don't know where to start
A financial literacy crash course for complete beginners covering budgeting basics, saving fundamentals, debt management, and building financial confidence.
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Follow-Up Result
8 weeks laterBuilt first emergency fund and created a working budget after starting from zero knowledge
The Problem
I'm 35 and I have no idea how money works. I don't have a budget, I don't know what a 401(k) does, I've never invested, and I live paycheck to paycheck even though I make a decent salary. Nobody taught me about money growing up and I'm embarrassed to ask basic questions. I feel like everyone else figured this out at 22 and I'm hopelessly behind.
The Plan
Week 1-2: Learn the Basics
You're not behind — you're starting. That's what matters. Plenty of people figure this out at 35, 45, or 55
Track every dollar you spend for 2 weeks — just observe, don't judge. This is your financial reality check
Learn the 50/30/20 rule: 50% of income to needs (rent, food, bills), 30% to wants (fun, dining out), 20% to savings and debt
Open a high-yield savings account and set up automatic transfers of whatever you can afford — even $25/week
If your employer offers a 401(k) match, contribute at least enough to get the full match — it's literally free money
Week 3-4: Build Your Foundation
Create a simple budget using YNAB, Mint, or a spreadsheet — give every dollar a job
Build a $1,000 emergency fund first — this prevents you from going into debt for unexpected expenses
List all debts with interest rates — pay minimums on everything, extra on the highest rate
Set up autopay for all bills — late fees are money thrown away
Read one personal finance book: "I Will Teach You to Be Rich" by Ramit Sethi is perfect for beginners
Resources
"I Will Teach You to Be Rich" by Ramit Sethi — no-shame, practical money guide
YNAB (You Need A Budget) — best budgeting app for beginners
r/personalfinance wiki — comprehensive free financial education
Khan Academy personal finance course — free video lessons on money basics
Follow-Up Result
8 weeks in: I have a working budget for the first time in my life. Tracking my spending for 2 weeks was eye-opening — I was spending $600/month on things I couldn't even remember buying. I opened a high-yield savings account and I have $800 saved (my first emergency fund ever). I enrolled in my company's 401(k) at 4% to get the full match — that's $2,400/year in free money I was leaving on the table. I read Ramit Sethi's book and it made money feel approachable instead of scary. I'm not a financial expert but I understand the basics now and I have a plan. The shame is gone because I'm actually doing something about it.Know someone with this problem?
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