Imagine logging into your bank account and feeling a surge of empowerment instead of dread. That’s exactly what Fiona Bradley, a 38-year-old primary school teacher and mum-of-two from Glasgow, now experiences. But it wasn’t always this way. Just a year ago, Fiona was drowning in £10,000 of debt, thanks to a home renovation that spiraled out of control and reckless spending habits fueled by Klarna’s ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ scheme. Sound familiar? Millions are trapped in a similar cycle, with Citizens Advice revealing that four million people in the UK are living in a negative budget—where income falls short of covering essential bills. The average debt? A staggering £9,963. But here’s where it gets controversial: What if the solution isn’t just cutting back, but completely reimagining how you manage money? Enter zero-based budgeting (ZBB), a viral trend that’s helping people like Fiona save hundreds—even £400 a month—by giving every penny a purpose. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not about deprivation; it’s about intentionality. Fiona’s story is a testament to its power. After discovering ZBB on TikTok, she’s not only slashed her debt to £7,500 but also built a £600 Christmas fund—all while feeling in control for the first time. But is ZBB too rigid for real life? Critics argue it struggles with unplanned expenses, like emergency vet bills. Yet, Fiona’s success suggests it’s less about perfection and more about awareness. She uses Monzo’s ‘pots’ feature to allocate funds for everything from petrol to Christmas, leaving her main account at zero—a number that now symbolizes control, not fear. Here’s the kicker: If Fiona, who once spent £300 monthly on Klarna hauls, can turn her finances around, could you? Whether you’re skeptical or intrigued, ZBB challenges the way we think about money. What’s your take? Is this the budgeting revolution we’ve been waiting for, or just another fad? Let’s debate in the comments—and while you’re at it, consider this: Could ZBB help you save £400 by Christmas? If Fiona’s story is anything to go by, the answer might just surprise you.