The Book

Before the Budget

The Foundation for Peace with Money

Every piece of financial advice starts with a budget. But who has ever kept one for a lifetime?

Before the Budget is about what has to be in place first — a way of making financial decisions that still works when the plan meets a real year. Not more discipline. Habits that keep your normal, unwatched behavior pointed in the same direction as the person you want to become.

The budget will still be there when you’re ready. It just was never the first step.

Cover
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About the author

Luciana Paulino is passionate about understanding money and decision-making. She studied economics at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and Data Analytics at UT Austin.

After 12 years of professional experience working first for IBM Global Financing and then as an economist for the Brazilian Ministry of Defense, she chose to pursue a life that money can’t buy. She now raises 4 children and builds her community in the ATX Metropolitan area.

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Release

Out November 20, 2026.

Until the book is in your hands.

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