Everything feels out of control, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do.

As a Senior Lifestyle editor at BuzzFeed, I cover stories about health, home, politics, and relationships, with a special focus on work and money.

The gas prices above were spotted in West Hollywood, California. 

"Since 2014, I’ve dedicated my life to helping people break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle and build real financial freedom. What pushed me into this work was seeing how debt was holding people back, especially in my community. I wanted to be a voice that made money simple, practical, and empowering. Today, everything I do is about helping people take control of their money and build a legacy."

Did you know that a recent survey found that although 86% of Americans use a budget, only 25% say that they actually stick to theirs? I don't bring this up to bum you out, just to show you that if this is something you struggle with, it's really common and, dare I say, normal. But there are some steps you can take to make it a little easier on yourself to reach your financial goals. 

This method takes a bit of planning to get started. You'll need to tally up your average monthly income and average out what you've spent on your regular expenses over the last few months. If your bank account has an app, you can probably see your spending by category at a glance there. 

This means doing the math and deciding in advance how much you plan to spend on fixed expenses that are the same every month, like your rent, vs. how much you can spend on things that are a little more variable, like groceries, vs. how much you can spend on things that are just for fun, like going out with friends. 

If you've seen the viral envelope budgeting system, this is a popular cash-based approach to this style of budgeting. 

So if you find that your budget isn't working for you, you're allowed to make some changes! A budget isn't set in stone, and the budgeting method that works for someone else might not really fit your life. 

And don't beat yourself up if an unexpected expense comes through and wrecks your plans. We've all been there, and it's a normal part of budgeting, too. Instead of throwing out your budget, keep track of where your money went, and make a new plan for how you'll go forward. 

"Another area is subscriptions. Streaming services, apps, and memberships can quietly drain your account if you’re not paying attention," he continued. 

Subscriptions are definitely my budget's weak point, as it's so easy to forget about that free trial I was meaning to cancel or that app I'm not really using anymore. Anthony definitely inspired me to set aside some time this weekend to poke through my accounts and cancel a subscription (or five 😬). 

Remember, you're only seeing other people's highlight reels on social media. They're rarely showing off their crushing credit card debt. 

"Start small, even if it’s saving $25 a week. Consistency beats intensity every time. Wealth is not built overnight; it’s built through discipline over time. If you stay committed, your situation can change faster than you think."

"Also, increase your income while you manage your expenses. Budgeting alone isn’t enough; you need to grow your earning potential, too. If you stay focused and intentional, you can win with money in any economy."