Hey there, hi there, ho there. We’re working our way through 31 Days of Debt Slaying Tips. I can’t promise to bring you anything revolutionary. I can’t promise to pay your bills for you. But hopefully I can inspire you to change your mind and then in turn change your finances through this intentional series.
Day 9: Spend Each Month (or 3-6 Months) on Paper on Purpose
Yesterday, we briefly spoke about getting a good handle on precisely how much it is you’re spending each month. After you begin to get a handle on that (i.e. the water bill is always about this much, the mortgage is always $x, we spend ~$y on groceries per week), then you can begin to work on a budget.
A word or two about budgets:
- I used to hate them.
- They felt like claws around my neck.
- I didn’t like the idea of a piece of paper telling me how to spend my money.
- I felt controlled.
- I buckled at the mere mention of the word.
Now:
- I feel free.
- I know exactly when I can splurge because I have a better handle on what I’ve spent.
- I can anticipate upcoming expenses.
- I kind of feel like I’m on a game show (and I’m winning).
- I can breathe much more easily.