Take Control of Your Money with Budget and Build

Trusted by thousands of readers. Learn how to create a monthly budget, improve your credit score, and build lasting financial freedom. Budget and Build provides you with the tools and guidance to manage your finances confidently and achieve your goals more quickly.

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This is my story

My name is Phong, but many know me as Victor. In life, you can only be a victim for so long, but eventually, you have to rise up and become the Victor. I was born in Vietnam to Chinese parents, and at the age of two, my family and I came to the United States in search of a better life. It was just the three of us — no roadmap, no safety net — only determination and sacrifice.

Growing up, I saw my parents work endlessly to build a future for us. We didn’t have much, but what we lacked in money, we made up for in grit. Their example taught me that dreams don’t work unless you do — and that success requires more than just hope. It requires a plan.

I went on to serve eight honorable years in the United States Marine Corps. The military gave me structure, discipline, and a sense of purpose. But when I transitioned out of service, life hit me hard. I was going through a divorce, and in the process, I lost nearly everything — my home, my financial stability, and my sense of direction. For the first time, I truly felt what it meant to hit rock bottom.

But rock bottom has a way of becoming the foundation for something greater. I made the decision to rebuild — not just my finances, but my entire life. I immersed myself in personal finance: learning how to budget, repair my credit, manage my money, and rebuild from scratch. It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t fast, but it was possible — and that realization changed everything.

That’s why I created Budget and Build. I wanted to turn my pain into purpose — to help others who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or like they’ve lost it all. Whether you're recovering from a setback, trying to get out of debt, or just learning how to take control of your money for the first time, you deserve a second chance — just like I did.

This journey isn’t just about money. It’s about freedom, resilience, and reclaiming your life on your own terms. I’ve been the victim. Now, I choose to be the Victor. And I’m here to help you do the same — one step, one dollar, one smart decision at a time.