Maybe I am just a total nerd but I honestly get really excited when I start planning out our monthly budget! The idea of not having a looming debt over our head is completely freeing!
This state of mind has not always been with me. I got married pretty young… Like when I was 20! So… that’s young. Talk about being thrown into the financial independence fire! I literally went from relying on my parents for 98% of all of my income and paying for all my expenses, to 0% in a matter of days. Luckily I married a really awesome man who knew a lot more on the subject then I did! But it would be a complete lie if I told you that it wasn’t hard to learn how to budget.
Learning to live on a budget can be quiet the transition. No matter how old you are. It is going to be hard at first. There really isn’t any way around this. (If you know of a way, let me know!) But with a little hard work and dedication you can learn to be happy!
How to Budget and Be Happy!
Don’t let your finances determine your attitude
Focus on the things you do have and not the things you wish you had. Stop looking at your neighbors grass. Do you know what I am talking about? You know, the whole “the grass is greener” thing.
You can choose to be happy!
Don’t allow you or your family’s happiness be dependent on your material possessions. Be creative. Look for things that your family enjoys doing that don’t cost money. Go outside! No matter where you live, I am sure there is something fun to do out there that won’t cost you a penny!
Resist that amazing sale
This is not the time to impulse shop. You are trying to save your money to improve your long-term financial standing. Remember? There even might be an amazing deal and the price is almost too good to pass up. If you don’t have room in your budget then you can’t afford it! End of story! No matter how great the deal is.
Stop feeling entitled
There is a serious problem in our culture where we feel we are entitled to something just because we are alive or because we are a certain age. This kind of thinking is toxic!
No one is entitled to anything
You need to work hard for what you want and even then, if you still can’t afford it, then you don’t buy it. Plain and simple. It might not seem fair, it might not actually be fair. But that is the way it is. Hey, I’m just trying to give it to you straight! If you want to live without your finances hanging over your head on a daily bases, then you need to take this advice to heart!
Post a motivational quote
Repetition and determination is key! Posting a cute quote somewhere it will consistently be seen will help keep your motivation high to keep on budget. It might even be a good idea to keep a small copy in your wallet. The most likely occurrence of where the temptation to spend is high.
Find ways to live frugal and fabulous
Of coarse I am going to talk about this! Just because you are going to be living on a budget for a little while doesn’t mean you have to live in a paper box! You just need to be patient. Do not spend more than you have! Always have your creative eyes open for something that can be transformed into something else you need.
Make a little room in your budget for the “extras” if you can but keep control and don’t go over. Keep your eyes open for amazing deals, be patient, and be dedicated to living within your means, you can still have a fabulous life, all while pinching pennies. You can do it! (Not to mention, singing up for my newsletter will help you stay frugal fabulous!)
What do you think?
Are you a pro or someone just learning how to budget? Let me know in the comments below. I am always learning new tips and would love to learn from you or if you have any questions please let me know!
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About Brittany Cooper
My name is Brittany and I am devoted to saving our family money in everything we do. Yes I do coupon but that is not the only frugal thing I do. I'm a bargain hunter, tester of all things DIY, trip planner, our family’s chef, and lover of all things chic. I may be obsessed with being frugal but I still love to add bits of beauty to our home. Decorating on pennies works, it just takes a little patience. I am a firm believer that with a bit of planning you can save your family a lot of money.
