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Budget Lists

January 21st, 2008 at 05:50 pm

I have always filled out budget forms with my own figures for income, rent payments, and credit card debt. HOW DO I MAKE THE WAY I SPEND MY MONEY THE SAME AS WHAT I WRITE DOWN? I put that I only spend $30.00 on tobacco and alcohol, but how do I keep from going over? I only buy cigarettes at the cheapest place, usually CVS, and don't go to bars to drink. I usually hit the liquor store on the way home on Friday. But if I limit myself, I feel that these "fun" things makes them less fun.
HELP

Posted in Hints and Tips Wanted | 3 Comments »

3 Responses to “Budget Lists”

  1. KellyB Says:
    January 21st, 2008 at 09:55 pm 1200952540
    1200952540

    The only way to not overspend is to STOP SPENDING when you run out of cash for that area (ie. cigarettes). Whatever you budget you have to stick to. Either put the $$ in an envelope, and when the cash is gone, STOP, or keep track with a spreasheet or something, but its the stopping that is key! DO NOT charge it, although you could technically "borrow" from another envelope if you feel it's needed, but then you have to stick to whatever is left in just that envelope too.

  2. luxlivingfrugalis Says:
    January 22nd, 2008 at 03:20 am 1200972015
    1200972015

    I'm thinking you have to want it bad enough.

    1) how long do you have to work to pay for the 'fun' stuff?

    2) are you getting any true value out of it? How much enjoyment? 2 weeks down the road can you remember all the fun you had??

    3) then you weigh that TIME cost and value enjoyment against the monetary cost and the feelings of dread and agnst when a bill comes due and you haven't money for it because you spent it for more and more fun things instead of being prepared AND yet still having a bit of fun.

    4) one way of doing your budget is to do some kind of split, perhaps 10% tithe, 50% current living expenses, 20% debt repayment, 15% savings, 5% FUN.

    5) understanding that there comes a time where you reach THE TIPPING POINT. Your bills are current, you're meeting your current living expenses straight up, you've got savings under control and on target for retirement, AND yet there is still money left for fun things. More fun things than maybe you've ever had room for in your budget before but only this time, YOU CAN TRULY ENJOY IT, knowing that all is well in your financial world.

    I think it's ImaSaver who is entered into the latest blog contest with a list of ways to save that might help you. If you want, find her blog and read her 'Best Way' contest entry, you might find some useful tips.

  3. helpmefriend Says:
    January 22nd, 2008 at 01:54 pm 1201010086
    1201010086

    Thanks for the help. This is truly helpful information.

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