How to Make a Zero-Based Budget in 4 Steps

By Gino DiPierro, 2026-10-06

1. List your income

Every paycheck you expect this month. If your income is irregular, use your lowest month.

2. List your expenses

Start with the Four Walls: food, utilities, shelter and transportation. Then giving, saving, debt and everything else.

3. Subtract until you hit zero

Income minus expenses should equal zero. Extra money goes toward your current Baby Step.

4. Track it and redo it every month

Check in a couple of times a week. Make next month's budget before the month starts.

Book a free 30-minute discovery call, open 7 days a week, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern. Email [email protected].

Gino DiPierro completed Ramsey Solutions Financial Coach Master Training. Completion does not create an employment or agency relationship with Ramsey Solutions or its affiliates, is not a license or credential to give legal, tax, accounting, investment or other professional services, and is not an endorsement or recommendation by Dave Ramsey. Financial coaching is education and accountability, not investment advice.