Why You’re Struggling With Money—And How to Fix It

Posted on February 26, 2025 by Louise Love, One of Thousands of Money and Finance Coaches on Noomii.

Do you feel like no matter how much you earn, your money always seems to disappear? Maybe you’ve tried budgeting before, but it felt too restrictive, confusing, or impossible to stick with. You’re not alone—many people struggle with managing their finances, not because they lack discipline, but because they’ve never been taught a system that truly works for them.

The good news? You don’t have to stay stuck in this cycle. Whether you’re self-employed with fluctuating income, a small business owner balancing business and personal expenses, or a retiree navigating fixed income, there’s a better way to take control of your money—without stress or deprivation.

The Real Reason People Struggle With Money (It’s Not Just About Numbers)
Most people think that financial success is about earning more or cutting back. But the real problem isn’t your income or your spending—it’s lack of clarity and structure. Here’s why:

Traditional budgeting methods fail because they feel restrictive. If you’ve ever tried to force yourself into a rigid budget only to abandon it after a few weeks, you’re not alone.
Emotional spending plays a bigger role than you think. Stress, guilt, and avoidance often drive money decisions more than logic.
If you’re self-employed or own a business, unpredictable income makes budgeting tricky. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to overspend in good months and panic in slow months.
If you’re retired, uncertainty about how long your savings will last can create anxiety. Many retirees don’t have a clear system for managing their withdrawals and expenses.
How to Take Control of Your Finances—Step by Step
Here’s how you can start fixing your money struggles today with a system that actually works.

Step 1: Get Clear on Where Your Money Is Going
You can’t improve what you don’t track. Start by looking at your last three months of spending. Are there areas where money is slipping away without you realizing it?

Action Step: Track your spending for one week—without judgment. Just observe where your money goes.

Step 2: Give Every Dollar a Job
This is where YNAB (You Need a Budget) comes in. Instead of setting arbitrary spending limits, YNAB helps you assign every dollar a job, whether it’s covering bills, saving for a future expense, or funding fun purchases.

Action Step: Write down your upcoming expenses (bills, groceries, debt payments) and assign money to them before spending.

Step 3: Create a Flexible Plan That Works for You
Forget rigid monthly budgets. A great money plan adapts to real life. If you overspend in one area, you adjust—not feel guilty.

Action Step: Set up a simple spending plan that allows flexibility, so you never feel restricted.

Step 4: Plan for Irregular Income or Fixed Retirement Funds
Self-employed? Pay yourself a steady “salary” from your business profits. Save extra income during high-earning months to cover slow periods.
Retired? Use a withdrawal strategy that balances enjoying life now while ensuring long-term security.

Action Step: Identify one way to smooth out your income flow—whether it’s saving more in good months or setting clear withdrawal guidelines.

Why a Coach Helps You Succeed Faster
Money isn’t just math—it’s mindset. And when you’re overwhelmed, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s where coaching comes in.

As a YNAB Certified Coach, I help people just like you:
✔ Get out of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle (even with variable income)
✔ Build a custom money plan that actually fits your life
✔ Shift your mindset so you stop feeling stressed about money
✔ Make confident financial decisions without fear or guilt

Ready to Finally Feel in Control of Your Finances?
You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re tired of money stress and want a clear, simple system that works, I’d love to help. Book a free call, and let’s get started.