So excited to share a little from Tif at Bright on a Budget. I love this one because it is a little different. Tif's blog is all about fashion on a budget! She gives a different way to budget below, along with how she can still look great on a budget!
Hi. I'm Tif and I blog over at Bright on a Budget. Bright on a Budget is a style and beauty blog about how to look great without breaking the bank. I'm an attorney with student loan debt, and a mom with daycare expenses, so it's important that I budget.
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| You can get all of the details of my outfit (top is on clearance!) here. |
I think one of the most misunderstood things about budgeting is that people equate budgeting with being cheap. Now, I'm on a budget and I like to save money, but that doesn't mean that I buy the cheapest item possible every time (and if you do, then that's ok). I like to mix low-end pieces with high-end pieces, especially when it comes to my wardrobe.
Personally, budgeting means that I have $______ amount on money to spend ______ item(s). I do like to make that amount stretch as far as it will.
When it comes to budgeting, I'm going to be honest--I can't stick to a super-strict budget. That's like begging me to break it. Instead, I do what I call a simple budget.
This method quickly tells me how much money I have coming in over a 3-month period, how much immediately has to go to bills, and how much money I have to "live" on. I've been using this method for several years now. I like that it is less rigid and flexible, and that's probably why I've been able to stick with it. Since it looks out 3 months into the future, it gives you a forecast and allows for some creative planning were needed.
It's important to realize, though, that even when you budget, things may not go exactly as planned. Unexpected expenses can and will arise. Example: our door lock messed up Sunday night and we had to pay $90 for a locksmith to let us in the house (ugh). But if this happens, don't let it throw you off track. If you put that payment on a credit card, make sure you commit to paying it off in x # of weeks and work that payment into the budget.
I think the second most misunderstood thing about budgeting is that it means that you don't have a lot of money or that you don't have to budget if you do have a lot of money.
Wrong on both accounts!
Budgeting can be done regardless of your income level, and should be done at any income level. Having a budget, whether really detailed or kinda loose, takes away so much stress surrounding payday and bills.
If you change the way you think about budgeting, you can really change your life.
Tif is an attorney, mom, and dedicated bargain hunter blogging about style, beauty, and life at Bright on a Budget. She is also one of the co-hosts of the High Five for Friday weekly linkup. You can follow her on Instagram, Bloglovin', or GFC, or get to know her a little better here.
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Want to read some other encouraging and real budgeting stories???
Laura @The Epitome of Us
Mandy @ Almond Place
Sarah @ Abiding in Grace
Stasia @ Our Life on a Budget
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What is your story? Or do you have some tips or pointers or anything you think would be encouraging to readers trying to be good stewards of what God has given them? Email me at stasia08@gmail.com and you can share a post! :)
I love this. And you're totally right about keeping a budget regardless of how much is in your bank account!
ReplyDeletePretty good ideas. And yes, the call of a locksmith is a costly lesson. Once I also had to use the services of a locksmith http://locksmith-in.com/ny, I had to paid for it a quite tidy sum.
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