Monarch Blog
We're on a mission to make better financial outcomes available to everyone. Read our latest thoughts and insights.
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How to Discuss Money Values With Your Partner
Money talks are easier when you start with what matters most. Your values are a low-stakes way to get aligned with your partner—without diving straight into dollars.
March 31, 2026
Baby Budget Guide: How Much Does a Baby Really Cost in the First Year?
The first year of having a baby can cost between $16,000 and $31,000 depending on childcare, with expenses ranging from medical bills to daily essentials. This guide breaks down real costs, monthly budgets, and practical strategies to help you financially prepare for your growing family.
March 31, 2026
Flex vs. Category Budgeting: Which Method is Right for Your Money
Flex and category budgeting offer two distinct ways to manage your money; one prioritizes simplicity and flexibility, while the other focuses on detailed control. This guide breaks down their differences, pros and cons, and helps you choose the best approach for your financial style.
March 31, 2026
Zero-Based Budgeting: Give Every Dollar a Job and Take Control of Your Money
Zero-based budgeting is a method where every dollar of income is assigned a purpose, so your income minus expenses equals zero. This guide explains how it works, its benefits and drawbacks, and how to create a zero-based budget step by step.
March 5, 2026
How to Budget as a Couple and Reach Goals Together
Money conversations can bring you closer, not push you apart. This step-by-step guide shows you how to build a couples budget that fits your life, split expenses in a way that feels fair, and tackle shared goals as a team. Start building wealth together and make every dollar work for your future.
February 7, 2026
How to Make a Budget From Scratch and Keep It on Track
Stop wondering where your money went. Follow this 9 step plan to build a budget that fits your life, set spending limits, and stay on track, then use Monarch to automate tracking, categories, alerts, and progress toward your goals.
December 31, 2025
23 Budget Categories You Need in Your Budget
Creating a budget starts with three main budget categories: fixed, flexible, and non-monthly. Grouping expenses in those three buckets makes budgeting easier.
December 26, 2025
15 Simple Budgeting Tips to Take Control of Your Money
Budgeting doesn’t have to feel restrictive or miserable. These 15 practical budgeting tips help you build a system that fits your real life - so you can pay your bills, save for what matters, and spend with confidence. Learn how to choose the right budgeting method, build sustainable habits, and finally feel in control of your money.
December 19, 2025
How to Create a Holiday Budget in 6 Simple Steps
Holiday spending doesn’t have to derail your finances or follow you into the New Year. This guide shows you how to create a holiday budget you can actually stick to, so you can spend confidently, avoid debt, and stay in control as costs rise in 2025. With a clear plan and real-time tracking, you’ll enjoy the season knowing your money is working for you, not against you.
November 17, 2024
What Flex Budgeting is and How the One Number Method Works
Monarch's Head of Advice Rachel Lawrence on the simple budgeting method that works for the vast majority of people who try it.
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November 10, 2024
A Case Study: Resolving Couple Money Conflicts
“Now my money anxiety has gone from 100% to less than 10%. It’s been night and day.”
December 16, 2023
Planning for the Unexpected: Managing Non-Monthly Expenses
Practical steps to anticipate and save for non-monthly financial demands.
February 17, 2022
How Monarch Compares to YNAB's Zero-Based Budgeting
The various ways you can set up a budget with Monarch and how it compares with zero based budgeting (ZBB).