Debt.com’s 2025 annual budgeting survey found that 86% of respondents used a budget, with many citing rising costs, debt, and a desire to grow their wealth and savings as popular motivators.
But others skip budgeting since they think it’s not necessary for their financial situation or are concerned about the time and effort required. Unfortunately, this can lead to living from paycheck to paycheck and not making progress toward your money goals.
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In a recent YouTube video, financial expert Rachel Cruze reacted to five common excuses that people give for not budgeting. Learn why this practice is essential regardless of your finances or lifestyle.
If you’re someone who works variable hours, earns a commission or is self-employed, having inconsistent income can turn you off from budgeting. You might worry about how complicated it would be to figure out an accurate monthly income amount for allocating your expenses.
Cruze acknowledged it can get tricky and explained she’s in the same situation with varying pay due to commission. She said you can estimate the amount for your budget and later adjust it. She also explained it’s important to be careful with your expenses when you have a less stable income.
Besides ensuring you allocate money to essentials and deprioritize other expenses, it’s smart to set aside some extra cash during your high-earning months. That way, you can use the money to cover a shortage you might have when your income is unusually low in a certain month.
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According to the Northwestern Mutual 2025 Planning & Progress Study, financial discipline was a problem for 51% of American adults. For some people, a lack of confidence that they’ll actually use and stick with a budget can be an excuse for not having one.
Whether you’ve failed at budgeting before or are anxious about making one for the first time, using a budgeting app can seem less intimidating than a traditional budget, as it does some of the hard work for you. Cruze recommended EveryDollar and highlighted it as a tool to build your budgeting skills and financial discipline.
“When you have EveryDollar Premium, then you’re able to attach it to your bank account, and it is so helpful to stay on budget and to keep up with everything,” she said.
