Let’s be real for a second...
When you’re a single, working mom getting paid twice a month, your paycheck is basically on life support the second it hits your account. Between daycare, gas, Target runs, and whatever random fee your kid’s school just sent home in a crumpled folder — it’s giving overwhelmed. But we’re not here to cry (today). We’re here to plan.
This is how I break down my paycheck and budget for two weeks like the relentless, tired-but-still-standing mom I am.
Step 1: Know Yo’ Numbers
Before we romanticize the budget, you need to face your numbers head-on. No flinching.
- Step 1A: Open that bank app. Yes, right now.
- Step 1B: Look at your take-home pay. Not what they promised you in HR. What you actually get.
- Step 1C: Write it down.
You’re gonna do this for both paychecks — assume the same amount if you’re salaried. If it changes, adjust accordingly.
Step 2: Divide That Check with a Purpose
Think of your budget like this:
Paycheck 1 = Survival
Paycheck 2 = Strategy
Paycheck 1 Priorities (Days 1–14):
- Rent or Mortgage (or at least half, if you’re splitting it between checks)
- Utilities
- Childcare/School Fees
- Groceries for 2 weeks (Costco-style)
- Transportation (Gas, Lyft, Bus, whatever gets you to the chaos)
- Minimum payments on bills or credit cards
- $20 for you. Yes, you. You are in the budget.
Paycheck 2 Priorities (Days 15–End):
- Remaining bills (Phone, Insurance, Subscriptions)
- Any unexpected BS your child’s school throws at you
- Variable stuff (Toiletries, last-minute groceries, co-pay for your toddler’s mystery rash)
- Savings (even if it’s $5 – we’re building habits)
- Debt snowball or avalanche, whichever you’re doing
- A treat: Coffee, nails, lashes — whatever keeps you from cussing someone out
Step 3: Use a Visual (Because Mental Math Is a Lie)
Use a planner. Use a chart. Use a napkin if you have to.
Write this down in columns:
- Bill name
- Due date
- Amount
- Paid (yes or no)
Then highlight it like you’re grading your life.
Step 4: Track It Every Few Days (Not Just When You’re Broke)
Check in every 3–4 days. Not daily. That’s too much.
But don’t wait until your card declines at Dollar Tree.
Look at:
- What came out
- What’s still pending
- If you can transfer $10 to savings or need to reverse rob your own account (aka move it back).
Step 5: Repeat & Adjust
Some months, you’ll kill it. Other months, life will kill your budget. Adjust. Don’t spiral.
Every two weeks:
- Review what worked
- What felt tight
- What you want to change
And remember: Your worth is not measured in what’s left in your checking account.
Relentless Reminder:
You’re not bad at money. You’re just paying for a life by yourself, and the system wasn’t built for that.
But you? You’re building your own system. One budget, one paycheck, and one fire-ass planner at a time.
Want the printable planning guide I use? You already know — I made it cute, pink/purple, and hella organized. Grab the JT x TRM 2 Week BASIC Paycheck Planner and start taking control like the financial savage mama you are.
Download here:
The Relentless Motherhood 
I know you have something to say, shoot it to me straight…