Hey there! I’m Karena, the voice behind The Budget Banana. I’m a mom, household CEO, and a self-proclaimed personal finance and goal-setting addict. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the daily grind, drained from the endless cycle of work, bills, and routines—trust me, I’ve been there.

For years, I juggled work, family, and the ever-growing to-do list, all while daydreaming about more—more time with my family, more freedom to travel, more flexibility to actually enjoy the life I was working so hard to build.

So, I decided to flip the script.

I dove deep into the world of financial independence, side hustles, smart budgeting, and goal-setting strategies that actually work. But what I discovered is that money management isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating a life you love. It’s about cutting the clutter (financial and otherwise), setting big goals, and making intentional choices that bring joy, not just financial security.

What You’ll Find Here

The Budget Banana isn’t just another personal finance blog—it’s a roadmap to building a life on your terms. Whether you’re looking to:
🍌 Break free from paycheck-to-paycheck living
🍌 Start a side hustle that actually makes money
🍌 Master the art of smart spending without feeling deprived
🍌 Set and crush your biggest financial goals

—I’ve got you covered.

Why “The Budget Banana”?

Because budgets shouldn’t be boring! And because, let’s be real, managing money can sometimes feel like trying to keep a bunch of bananas from going bad all at once. I’m here to make personal finance simple, approachable, and (dare I say) fun—without the jargon or judgment.

So if you’re ready to take control of your money, dream big, and actually enjoy the journey, grab a cup of coffee (or a banana 🍌) and let’s do this together.

Welcome to The Budget Banana—where we save smart, spend intentionally, and build a future we can’t wait to wake up to.