Most people budget based on vibes.
“Okay, RM2,000 for rent, RM500 for food, RM200 for fun… and the rest? We’ll see lah.”

But what if you told every ringgit where to go — before the month even starts?

That’s what Zero-Based Budgeting is all about. And once you try it, you might never go back.

🤔 What is Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB)?

Zero-Based Budgeting is a method where your income minus expenses equals zero.

That doesn’t mean you spend every sen you have. It means you give every sen a job — whether it’s for rent, savings, investments, groceries, debt repayment, or even duit kopi.

In short:
📥 Total Income – 📤 Total Outflow = RM0

🧠 Why Zero-Based Budgeting Works

Here’s why this method is loved by both financial nerds and everyday people trying to make ends meet:

✅ You become intentional with your money
✅ No more “leaks” or mystery expenses
✅ Easier to adjust your spending to reach goals
✅ You feel in control, not lost

It’s not about micromanaging — it’s about making sure your money works for you, not the other way around.

✍️ How to Start Your First Zero-Based Budget

Here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow inside Aetherance or with a simple pen and paper:

Step 1: Know Your Total Income

Add up everything you expect to earn this month.
Include:

• Salary (after EPF/SOCSO/Tax)
• Side income
• Commissions
• Bonuses
• Anything else

🧮 Example:
RM3,500 (Salary) + RM500 (Freelance) = RM4,000 total income

Step 2: List All Your Expenses

Write down every category you need or want to spend on this month.

Start with essentials (e.g., rent, groceries, bills), then work down to wants (e.g., movies, subscriptions).

📋 Example:

• Rent: RM1,200
• Groceries: RM600
• Petrol/Transport: RM200
• Bills: RM300
• Insurance: RM150
• Debt repayment: RM400
• Savings: RM500
• Entertainment: RM100
• Miscellaneous: RM550

Step 3: Make Income – Expenses = Zero

Tweak your categories until everything balances out.
The total of all your expenses should exactly match your income.

If there’s extra — allocate it to savings, investments, or debt.
If there’s a shortage — adjust some categories down.

Step 4: Track & Adjust Weekly

Check in at least once a week using Aetherance to track your actual spending vs. your plan.
Life isn’t perfect, and budgets should flex, not break.

👀 Pro Tips

💡 Set aside a small buffer (RM50–RM100) for surprise expenses
💡 Use categories like “Sinking Fund” for irregular bills (e.g. car service, gifts)
💡 Don’t forget zakat or charity as part of your financial plan
💡 Pair this with the Debt Snowball or Avalanche method for debt payoff

❤️ Final Thoughts

Zero-Based Budgeting might sound intense at first, but once you try it for a full month — you’ll feel more in control, less anxious, and more focused with your money goals.

You don’t need to be a financial expert to start. Just some clarity, consistency, and a little help from tools like Aetherance.

Ready to Try Zero-Based Budgeting?

Start your budget today using Aetherance.
✅ Create categories
✅ Allocate your income
✅ Track it all in one clean dashboard

Let’s put every ringgit to work — for you.