More stressed about money after starting YNAB?

I hear you, friend. The truth is, budgeting on minimum wage can feel incredibly demoralizing, especially when you start using a tool like YNAB and realize just how little wiggle room you have. It's understandable to want to avoid looking at it all together. The core issue here is that your income is simply not keeping up with your expenses. When there's no margin for error, the slightest hiccup - a medical bill, car repair, or even a spike in grocery prices - can completely derail your budget. This creates a vicious cycle of constantly playing catch-up, which saps your energy and makes it tempting to throw in the towel. But there are a few specific steps you can take today to start regaining some control. First, run the Triage Method - quickly list out your absolute essentials (rent, utilities, food) and figure out the minimum you need to cover those. Then, look for any expenses you can temporarily trim or eliminate, even if it's just small things like subscriptions or eating out. Every dollar counts. Next, focus on building up a buffer, even if it's just $50 or $100 to start. The Loose Change Method can help you effortlessly save those small amounts. Having that cushion will make a world of difference when the next surprise expense pops up. When you get these foundational pieces in place, budgeting on minimum wage becomes much more manageable. You'll start to feel less stressed and more in control of your money, which opens the door to making progress, little by little. It won't be easy, but you've got this.