Week 6: Budget Like a Boss, Not a Victim

The Axe Method Financial Literacy Curriculum

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🎯 Learning Objectives

• - Understand what budgeting really means (and what it doesn’t)
• - Learn the 50/30/20 and zero-based budgeting methods
• - Discover how to prioritize income without shame or restriction
• - Start using budgeting as a tool for freedom, not control

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💸 What Is a Budget?

• A budget is a plan. Not a prison.
• It helps you tell your money where to go — instead of wondering where it went.
• Budgeting gives you control, clarity, and peace.

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📊 Two Simple Budgeting Methods

• 1. 50/30/20 Rule:
• - 50% Needs
• - 30% Wants
• - 20% Savings/Debt/Investing

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• 2. Zero-Based Budgeting:
• - Every dollar gets a job
• - Income - Expenses = $0 (intentional, not broke)

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🧠 Real-World Example

• Alex earns $2,500/month.
• Using 50/30/20:
• - $1,250 → Needs
• - $750 → Wants
• - $500 → Debt & Investing

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• Peace replaces panic.

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✍️ Guided Activity

• 1. Write your current monthly income.
• 2. Estimate monthly expenses in: Needs, Wants, Savings.
• 3. Are you in balance? Over budget? What needs adjusting?

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🧠 Mini Glossary

• - Zero-Based Budget: Assign every dollar a role
• - Emergency Fund: Backup cash for unexpected life
• - Expense Ratio: Fund fee — lower = better
• - FIRE Movement: Financial Independence, Retire Early

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🧨 Weekly Challenge

• Build a 30-day budget using either method.
• Stick to it. Track the results.
• Note how it makes you feel week to week.

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🗣 Journal Prompt & ✅ Recap

• Journal Prompt:
• “What would financial peace actually feel and look like in my life?”

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• ✅ Recap:
• - Budgeting = freedom, not restriction
• - You don’t need more income — you need more intention
• - The plan gives you peace and power

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