My attempts at budgeting are a lot like my attempts to eat better and get more exercise...neither are going very well.
I seem to lack motivation. I know what I should be doing in both cases but it is VERY difficult to retrain my brain. I have been eating whatever I want and spending whatever I want for so long that it is a major lifestyle change to rein in both of these. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing I would like better than have both these areas of my life under control but I am getting a little discouraged. I seem to do well for a week or 2 and then fall back into the old routine. I just don't know how to make it stick.
For example, as I write this I am sitting at my computer eating a HUGE glazed donut and drinking coffee from Dunkin Donuts. This is not in the plan for either my diet or finances yet here I sit. It's like I am on auto pilot to stop and get this treat whether I can afford it or not. Now, there goes $4.00 and I bet I just consumed 70% of the calories I need for the day. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What's wrong with me?!
February 20th, 2008 at 04:09 am
February 20th, 2008 at 06:31 am
Er, well, budgeting isn't much fun, to be honest. Well, some on here thrive on it, but you know, most people don't.
I am learning the hard way anyway, to take baby steps, and go for very small but very doable, permanant changes. I'm typically the kind of guy that prefer to take huge leaps, but it's hard to make them stick. So, I say to take baby steps, and to reward yourself for every little permanent step you take.
February 20th, 2008 at 06:33 am
February 20th, 2008 at 06:47 am
I had to do the same thing for my own budget. I didn't start out with the current version, I ratcheted down from what I had been spending. It took me a 1 1/2 years to ratchet down to this level because I knew I wouldn't stick with it otherwise.
February 20th, 2008 at 08:15 am
Is your husband on board? Would he help you make up budgets, menus, grocery lists and exercise plans? My husband's a great organizer, shopper and cook, and I'm good with money and fitness, so we help each other keep the train on the tracks.
How about your kids--are they old enough to take part in your plans?
February 21st, 2008 at 08:20 am
I am using an Excel spreadsheet for a budget which is good but I am falling short when it comes to sticking to it. On paper I seem to have money left over at the end of a pay period but in reality I don't.
Ceejay-my husband is not really on board as our finances are separate. I do the cooking and shopping and meal planning. He is in really good shape and good with fitness. Unfortunately after 5 years of marriage that hasn't rubbed off on me!
February 21st, 2008 at 01:05 pm
But, if that's not an option, you can at least get moral support and advice on this board, so hopefully that will help you do it all on your own! Take your time though, as everyone else says. You'll probably stay more enthusiastic if you don't wear yourself out all at once.
Good luck!
CJ