By Andre Shammas
As a tax preparer and accountant, I’ve worked with families from all walks of life. I’ve seen first-hand how challenging it can be to juggle daily expenses, unexpected costs, and long-term financial goals—especially when you’re raising a family. For many working households, the goal isn’t becoming rich overnight—it’s achieving peace of mind. That sense of security where the bills are paid, there’s food on the table, and a little bit is being saved for the future.
The good news is that this kind of financial calm isn’t reserved for the wealthy. It starts with one simple tool: a realistic, sustainable budget. And no, I’m not talking about a complicated spreadsheet or some restrictive diet for your bank account. I’m talking about a budgeting system designed for real people with real lives—something you can actually stick to.
Here’s the budgeting approach I recommend to my clients, and the one I personally follow. Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Start With Your Net Income
First things first—know what’s actually coming in. Look at your net income, not your gross. That means the amount that lands in your bank account after taxes, health insurance, and retirement contributions are taken out.
If you’re paid bi-weekly or semi-monthly, calculate your total monthly take-home pay. If your income varies (due to tips, commissions, or freelance work), take a three-month average to estimate your monthly income.
Once you have that number, everything else flows from there.
Step 2: Use the 50/30/20 Rule as a Starting Point
One of the simplest and most effective frameworks I’ve found is the 50/30/20 rule:
- 50% for needs (housing, utilities, groceries, gas, minimum debt payments)
- 30% for wants (dining out, entertainment, hobbies, subscriptions)
- 20% for savings and debt repayment (emergency fund, retirement, extra debt payments)
Of course, these percentages might not be perfect for every family—but they offer a solid foundation to begin with. For example, if you live in a high-cost area like Southern California, your “needs” might stretch to 60%. That’s okay. The key is to adapt the system to your reality, not abandon it altogether.
Step 3: Track Where Your Money Is Actually Going
Before you can fine-tune your budget, you need a clear picture of where your money is currently going. For at least one month, track every dollar. You can use a budgeting app, a spreadsheet, or even pen and paper.
This exercise is often eye-opening. Many of my clients discover they’re spending hundreds on little things—coffee runs, takeout, unused subscriptions—that add up quickly.
The goal here isn’t guilt. It’s awareness. Once you see where your money is going, you’re in a much better position to redirect it.
Step 4: Build In the “Irregulars”
One major reason budgets fail is because people forget about the non-monthly expenses—things like:
- Car repairs
- Kids’ school supplies or sports fees
- Holiday gifts
- Medical bills not covered by insurance
These costs are predictable in the big picture, but they feel like “emergencies” when they hit all at once. My solution? Create a sinking fund—a separate savings account where you put aside a little bit each month to cover these irregular expenses when they arrive. It removes the stress and keeps your main budget intact.
Step 5: Make It Visual, Make It Simple
Budgeting doesn’t have to be a math-heavy ordeal. I often encourage working families to use a simple envelope system or digital version of it. Set aside money (physically or digitally) into categories:
- Groceries
- Gas
- Family fun
- Eating out
- Emergency savings
When the money in a category runs out for the month, that’s it. This creates built-in boundaries that help prevent overspending.
Visual tools work wonders—color-coded spreadsheets, whiteboards on the fridge, or even just a clear weekly review with your spouse can keep you on track.
Step 6: Involve the Whole Family
Budgeting isn’t a solo sport—it’s a family strategy. Involve your spouse or partner in the planning. Talk with your kids (in age-appropriate ways) about saving, spending, and giving.
When the whole family understands the “why” behind the budget, they’re more likely to help support it. You’re not just budgeting to say “no” to pizza night—you’re saying “yes” to a family vacation, college savings, or sleeping peacefully without financial stress.
Step 7: Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Lastly, give yourself grace. Budgets aren’t perfect. Life happens—cars break down, kids get sick, surprise expenses pop up. The goal isn’t to follow a budget with military precision. It’s to build habits that create freedom and peace over time.
When you stay consistent, even small wins—like paying off a credit card or hitting your emergency savings goal—start to stack up. And that’s when you go from paycheck to peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
At Shammas Bureau, I work with many families who feel overwhelmed by their finances. The most common thing I hear is, “I just want to feel in control.” A solid, realistic budgeting system is the first and most powerful step toward that control.
If you’re ready to build a financial plan that fits your life and goals, I’d be honored to help. Remember—budgeting isn’t about restriction. It’s about intentional living. And that’s something every working family deserves.