The need: manage money... without adding mental load
You want to see clearly.
You want to know where you are going.
But you have neither the desire nor the energy to enter into complicated systems.
You are right: a budget does not need to be a monstrous spreadsheet to work.
Something simple, sometimes, is even better.
Why a minimalist budget can be enough
A minimalist budget works very well if:
- your fixed expenses are stable and predictable
- you don't have huge variations each month
- you just want to track the big masses (not every detail)
- you are not looking to optimize to the penny
In this case:
3 to 5 budgets maximum are largely enough.
When it becomes insufficient
Simplicity can become a problem if:
- you are often overdrawn
- your variable expenses explode regularly
- you have no idea what you spend on outings / groceries
- your life changes often (irregular income, unpredictable expenses)
In these cases:
you need a tiny bit more structure... but not necessarily a big system.
How to find the right balance
We start from minimalism, then we enrich slightly if necessary.
Start with 3 categories
Essential, Variable, Savings.
It is the solid base.
Add 1 or 2 budgets only if you see a blur
Frequent examples:
- Groceries
- Outings
- Transport
- Leisure
It is not a gas factory:
it is just enough to no longer navigate blindly.
Keep your budgets "alive"
You adjust gently, over the months.
A simple budget should never be frozen.
How Boney adapts to both extremes
Boney works very well:
- if you want a minimalist view (3 budgets = perfect)
- if you want to refine a little (without complexity)
You can start simple
→ then specify a little if your month lacks clarity
→ then return to simple when everything stabilizes.
It is you who decides the level of details.
In short
A minimalist budget works, often even very well.
The important thing is not the quantity of categories:
it is the clarity you get from it.
And sometimes, 3 budgets are enough to completely transform your relationship with money.