Chapter 1: Why Budgeting Matters First things first, let’s talk about why budgeting is so important. It’s not about depriving yourself or restricting your life—it's about gaining control. A good budget lets you: (i) Achieve Your Goals : Want to travel, buy a home, or build an emergency fund? A budget makes that possible. (ii) Reduce Stress : No more surprises at the end of the month. A budget helps