From Frustration to Freedom: Removing Friction from Your Finances

September 16, 2025

A Lesson from the Back Seat

My five-year-old son loves music. He’s always singing, dancing, and putting on his own little concerts in the back seat during our car rides. Usually, I hand him my phone so he can play his favorite songs on Spotify, and we jam together as the music fills the car.

But one thing used to frustrate him, spelling. Every time he tried to type in a song, he’d stop and ask me, “mommy, how do you spell…?” He didn’t like having to ask. He loves to do things on his own.

Then, something amazing happened.

While we were driving this week, I suddenly heard him say the title of the song out loud instead of asking for help. That’s when I noticed, he was using the microphone feature on Spotify. Just by speaking the name of the song, it popped up right on the screen. He could now search independently, recognize the icon for the song, and hit play, all by himself.

This little feature removed a huge point of friction for him. It allowed him to do something he loved without needing constant help.

What Does This Have to Do with Budgeting?

This got me thinking.

So many people struggle to stick to a budget, even though budgeting is one of the most powerful tools for taking control of your financial life. A good budget shows you what’s really happening with your money. It reveals patterns, highlights problem areas, and gives you a roadmap toward financial freedom.

But here’s the thing: most people don’t fail at budgeting because they don’t care. They struggle because there’s friction.

Just like my son got frustrated having to spell every word, you might feel resistance every time you try to track your spending, set up categories, or face your financial reality.

Maybe the tool you’re using is too complicated.

Maybe your budget isn’t realistic.

Maybe it’s just overwhelming.

Identify the Friction and Remove It

If budgeting feels hard, pause and ask:

• What’s the real struggle? Is it time? Confusion? Fear?

• What can I do to make it easier? Try:

  • Switching from a spreadsheet to a simple app

  • Setting a weekly 15-minute check-in

  • Partnering with someone for support

    
    

A Quick Budgeting Blueprint

Start with this 4-step approach:

1. List Your Income – include all sources: salary, side gigs, etc.

2. List Expenses – Separate fixed (rent, bills) and variables (groceries, fun).

3. Subtract Expenses from Income – What’s left? Save or adjust.

4. Track & Tweak Weekly – Stay consistent and adjust as needed.

Let’s Simplify Your Money

Small changes can make budgeting feel doable and even empowering. Need help creating a budget that works for your life? Check out additional resources on my website at www.brownfinancialsoltuions.com 

About Petra-Ann Brown

Petra-Ann Brown is the founder of Brown Financial Solutions, LLC, a financial coaching practice that empowers individuals to take control of their financial lives. She is also the host of Island Money 365 podcast, where she shares inspiring immigrant stories and provides invaluable financial resources to the community.