What do you think of when you hear the word budget?
I think most people I know either groan or laugh with an accompanying what budget comment.
Have you ever faced some crisis where you have to shell out $500 dollars on something that wasn’t expected? A budget can help with that.
I, however, love having a budget. It gives me parameters. It allows me to know what I can spend and when I can spend it. Do I always stick to my budget? Honestly, no, I don’t. But it always in the back of my mind and I know I have to get back on track when I fall off my budget bandwagon.
I will keep this simple as there are people way smarter than me who have written books and can help you get started. My favourite book of all is Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. His website will give you loads of information plus will allow you to purchase his materials: https://www.daveramsey.com/tools
The premise: Make a budget that works for you WHILE paying off debt and making a plan for the future.
Start by writing down all the necessities.
Next, write down all the things you can absolutely do without until you are at the next stage of your budget.
Dave Ramsey also shows you how to create a debt snowball. I will let him explain it so I don’t mess anyone up.
I am not saying this will be easy. I am not saying this will happen overnight. What I am saying is it gives you the freedom to say no when others ask you to go out, when children ask you to buy things or you are tempted to buy something ahead of schedule.
This process works. It can work for you too IF you are willing to take the time, effort and energy into your life and into your money. What do you have to lose? At least take a look….you may be surprised…budget doesn’t have to be a four-letter or scary word after all.