Money Modays!!! Budgets...

Oh yes, today I am approaching the dreaded "budgets". Really, why do our stomachs roll over whenever that word is mentioned? I truly believe it is because the word budget signifies restraint, accountability, and responsibility. We'll give so much over, but man oh man, when it comes to money, that is ONE area that seems to be the hardest to give to God. Could it be that we are so frightened of losing control that we are willing to hord something that does not even belong to us?

Okay. So here is the deal. The most awfulest (is that even a word lol) lamest excuse for not having a budget that I have ever heard was "I don't make enough money for a budget!" Really? Well, the LESS money you make the MORE important a budget is!

Truly budgets are important no matter what the amount is that you bring in. Again, it is one area that we must hold consistency, responsibility, and accountability. That is where we really can show that we really are "grown ups".

How you do your budget is up to you. The good thing about a budget is that you can tailor it to meet you right where you are and help you attain goals. Everyone's budget is going to be different from each other, because each household is different, each need is different. What works for one may not work for another. However, the basics of a budget are the same.

Our family lives on a budget. There are 6 of us in our household, and 1 income provider. We have to budget. And yes, I occasionally fall off of the budget. When I do, I know it. It becomes very evident very quickly. I'm not perfect about it, so please don't think that I am approaching this subject as someone who is dead on it. I make my mistakes too, but you know what? God's grace and mercy is sufficient in ALL things (and that includes my mistakes)!

1. Set a goal.

What do you want to see accomplished? It can be a long term goal (like ours is to be able to build a home for us when my hubby retires from the Army and pretty much completely pay for it out right) or it can be a short term goal (like saving for a trip in a few months). Or, you can combine goals. Like our house, we have our long term goal, but we also have a short term goal of visiting family next month so we have that added in. The point is, once you have a goal, you have a starting point.

2. Make a priority list.

This should be which bills HAVE to be paid, in order of importance. For us, it goes like this: house, utilities (power/water), car insurance. Our cable bill however, is at the bottom of the list, BEHIND groceries!

3. Stick to it!

This seems to be the hardest part. Getting everything down on paper always looks good, but sticking to it seems to be the issue. Apparently we ALL have problems with self-restraint and self-control. I'm there with you, trust me. I spent where I shouldn't have last month and we are now in a recovery phase again. The great thing about it, it gets easier for self control the more we do it!

I just really want to encourage everyone to get on a budget. You will see a marked difference in where you are financially if you do!

Next Monday I am going to blog about our money trees. Hope to see you there!