Organize Your Money: Don’t Forget This!
So you’ve determined to get your finances back on track for 2014 and you’re planning, strategizing and scrimping. If you’re like most people, your will power will last approximately 3.4 weeks and then you will be back to business as usual. So how can you be one of the 2% who stick with it and actually achieve your financial goals? One way is to plan some fun.
I realize that I just talked you into finding your spending weaknesses, but once you address those I want to encourage you to not go “Extreme Biggest Loser” on me and cut everything out of your budget. Extreme budgets are just like extreme diets, you may make some progress initially, but you are setting yourself up for a binge in the not-so-distant future, and when you crack, it’s going to be bad.
To prevent an over-spending, splurge-o-rama, you need to plan some fun on a regular basis:
- Budget $5 or $10 each week as “I-can-do-anything-I-want-with this” money.
- Cutting back on the groceries? Plan a nice dinner every couple of weeks.
- Love shopping? Budget $20 or $30 a month and see how many clothing items you can find for that amount.
- Need entertainment? Use coupons, take advantage of free events and enjoy the great outdoors more.
The key is to find ways to meet your emotional needs and enjoy today without sacrificing tomorrow.
Yes, have fun, but balance your fun with meeting your goals and responsibilities in life. You already knew that, I’m just encouraging you to remember it. 🙂
Do you need a little jump start to get your finances on track? My new e-book 5 Days to Budget Breakthrough: Change Your Money – Change Your Life is your no-frills, get-down-to business guide to do just that.
Click here to read more and see what others are saying!
My husband brown bags it to work every day. We try to stock up on granola bars, crackers, sandwich options – lunch meat, cheese and peanut butter etc, water and ice tea. This process has saved us money lots of money. However he still likes having cash to spend as he pleases. He gets only $10 a month to spend and actually does not complain. One month he got $20 and spent the whole $20 lol. Noteworthy is that the more he has the more he spends. After that I think he just likes having the extra spending money. The amount doesn’t matter. That said I love your idea “Budget $5 or $10 each week as “I-can-do-anything-I-want-with this” money” after having seen how it works in our life. If I had to try it I might start off with $10 and see how that works then decide to save $5 and spend $5 lol. I also love the $20 to $30 clothes challenge. It may be a nice adrenalin rush (smile) and at the same time save me tons of money.
It’s amazing to me that when I think that I “can’t spend any money”, I actually end up splurging like a rebellious child – haha! Having even $5 keeps me on track, but I do like your idea of spending $5 and saving $5. 🙂 Thanks Paula!
Thank you too Kimberlee. I read your ebook “5 Days to Budget Breakthrough: Change Your Money – Change Your Life” a couple days ago and it was awesome! I’m so glad you came into my life to mentor me. Your blog is great!
I am really glad that you enjoyed the Budget Breakthrough book Paula. Thanks for letting me know that it was helpful to you.
…and I want to add a few of your other points. 🙂
I read years ago to include an allowance for both husband and wife.. and I have! 🙂 It’s a necessity! Enjoyed your article
Thanks!
Hi, I’m your new fan from Russia, came here from pinterest and now try hard to use your tips. Although some of the ideas are not suitable for our living. I started trying with groseryshop deals and menu planning, hope it will help.
Where do you write the ideas on how to have fun with kids and hubby at home without wasting money?
And what would you recommend for those with clumsy hands, not-crafty-at-all?
Thanks again for your inspiring issues it is a real treasure for me. An get better with your legs too.
Welcome Katya! I am so glad that you enjoy the website. Here are a few of our ideas for frugal family fun: https://thepeacefulmom.com/category/family-fun/. Enjoy!
I am currently reading your E-book “5 days to Budget Breakthrough” and loving it. I am feeling more money enpowered already :~)
I am so glad Krys! Thanks for taking the time to let me know. 🙂
Thanks for these tips! I always come to your website, when I’m feeling down about our finances. You always lift me up 🙂
Aw! I’m so glad that I can encourage you Courtnie.