If I kept my job, I could cover my regular expenses.

If I reduced my spending, I might afford the studio for several months.

But eventually, the savings would run out unless I earned money from recording.

I thought about Dad telling me to make a budget.

For the first time, I understood why he had repeated those words so often.

I still wished he’d taught me without making home feel like a business arrangement.

But I could see the value in the lesson itself.