How To Create a Budget with Holly

Money worries are stressful for everyone. A budget is one of the best tools for taking that stress down. In this DNL Live episode, Holly from Disability Network Lakeshore walks you through how to create a simple monthly budget. No fancy software, no confusing math — just a clear plan for your money.

What a budget really is

A budget is simply a plan that tells your money where to go. You write down the money that comes in each month — from a job, benefits or other sources. Then you write down the money that goes out — rent, food, utilities, medicine, transportation and fun. When you can see both sides, you can make choices instead of surprises.

The steps Holly covers

• List your income. Include every source: paychecks, SSI or SSDI, and any other regular money.
• List your fixed costs. These stay the same each month, like rent and insurance.
• List your changing costs. These move around, like groceries, gas and entertainment.
• Subtract costs from income. If money is left over, plan a place for it — like savings. If costs are higher than income, look for costs you can lower.
• Check in every week. A budget only works if you look at it. A five-minute weekly check keeps you on track.

Budgeting and disability benefits

Many people with disabilities manage a mix of earned income and benefits. Budgeting can feel more complicated when benefit rules are involved. If you have questions about how work or savings might affect your benefits, our team can help you find answers and connect you with a benefits specialist. Tools like ABLE accounts may also let you save without risking your benefits.

Budgeting is a core independent living skill, and it gets easier with practice. If you would like one-on-one help, our free Independent Living Skills services include money management. You can also read our blog post about living on less for more ideas.

Keep going when it gets hard

Your first budget will not be perfect, and that is okay. Most people forget a cost or two in the first month. When that happens, do not give up — just add it to the plan and keep going. A budget is a living document that improves every time you use it. After two or three months, you will know your numbers well, and the whole process will take only a few minutes.

Why this episode matters

A clear budget does more than track dollars. It lowers stress, helps you plan for the things you care about, and gives you real control over your own life. That control is at the heart of independent living. Watch the episode with a notebook nearby, pause it whenever you need to, and start building your own plan one line at a time.

Watch more episodes on the DNL Live hub, or call (616) 396-5326.