Increase Your Financial Confidence With These Budgeting Tips.
con·fi·dence / the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust.
Confidence in money may seem a little dramatic. Yet that's often the reason why many people can't stick to their budget or even fail to start.
I translate the definition of confidence in finances like this: It’s the firm trust between me and my budget when payday is coming and going. It’s relying on myself when a new payday is approaching – because I got this.
That money confidence says: “Come on next payday, I’m ready.” Already knowing where it’s accounted for.
So where do I find the confidence to say "I'm prepared?" It comes from immersing yourself in your finances as if it's your job.
That’s right, like you’re clocking 40 [hours] in your budget. You don’t have to clock 40, but at least clock something. This is not a set it and forget kind of thing with money. You must sit down every month (and sometimes each payday) and make a plan. Plan even if you’re just talking to yourself, tap a friend or family member you can trust if you need a sounding board.
Let’s put this into perspective and practice. If you’ve followed me for a while, then you know that my husband is a serious marathon runner. His discipline is like no other, and he takes it very seriously no matter the circumstances. I see budgeting with this same type of discipline (I wish I did for running, but that’s another story). When making a running plan, my husband prepares the week with a detailed plan. The plan includes the hours he has to run for each day, and any make up time, etc. Don’t worry, there’s no running involved in our budgeting, but the approach needs to be as serious as a runner training for a marathon.
So a runner sets a running plan, we set a monthly budget. A runner schedules the runs by day, and we should schedule our spending according to our schedule. If you’re on the road you must account for food you will pack with you – otherwise, you will be “forced” to eat on the road. Not reactive planning, but proactively plan your budget. Embrace the obstacles in your budget.
Make sure to keep track of your spending and stay within your monthly goals by checking in each month (payday if you can). Confidence comes from consistent planning and follow through. We will discuss how to do a proper check-in in another post.
Budgeting is all about taking control of your obstacles, not being overcome by them. You have the power to prepare for what's coming, review what's already happened, and what you'll need in the future. Financial confidence is like exercising a muscle for financial control. And the best part? You can practice and make improvements with each paycheck.
Takeaways:
- Plan my budget with my schedule, to embrace my obstacles.
- Consistent checking in with my spending is required.
- Clock something in my budget every week.
- Make a plan before my paycheck hits my account – know where it’s going.
- I get another chance every paycheck to build the confidence.
- Watch my money like it’s my job.
Next time…
View your home as a business venture. Cash flows in and out - aim for profitability. You (and perhaps a partner) act as the household CFO(s). So, what tasks should you include in your budget routine?
Q: Are you confident in your budgeting? What contributes to your lack of confidence?
