MAKING A BUDGET (FINALLY)

Stream-of-conscious ramblings about how I'm going to get my finances in order. Finances are not my strong suit. I didn't learn it in school. When I asked my mother for advice, her response was, "Nobody taught me, so why should I teach you." I think she saw it as tough parenting. But if your kids aren't being taught finances anywhere, shouldn't that be the parent's responsibility? Soapbox This is why I believe financial proficiency is hereditary*. If your parents are bad with money and that's what you witnessed, you'll most likely end up in a similar position unless you actively try to change it. (And no, reading "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" in high school didn't help†.) * I'm speaking about it broadly and from a middle-class perspective, excluding those who are born into poverty or in dire circumstances (e.g., refugees) because that's a different story.† My mother forced me to read it so I guess she did try to "teach" me? I have a spreadsheet in Notion called "2026 Budget." However, it's…