I spent most of the day speaking at the Indianapolis Home Show. It was a fun day making new friends, chatting about paying off debt, and helping people rethink the ways they shop, too. One of the key messages we discussed was using the process of decluttering to breathe new life into your living spaces.
But a Financial Declutter isn’t just about the physical possessions we own. It’s also about getting our junk in order when it comes to money. So far, we’ve tackled our wallets, our purses, removing spending triggers on our phones and through e-mail, and even clearing through the freezer, fridge, and pantry, too. We’ve decluttered bills and even organized important papers in safes/lockboxes. Today we’re taking one step further and focusing on budgeting.
Just as a reminder, each of the Financial Decluttering assignments should only take 10-15 minutes and you’ve only missed assignments to Clean Out Your Wallet, Clean Out Your Refrigerator Door, Clean Out Your Car Console, Clean Out Your Sock Drawer, Organize Your Coupons, Clean Out Kids’ Backpacks, Clean Out Your Purse or Bag, Clean Out ONE Pantry Shelf, Clean Off Your Desk. Then check out Clean Up Your Phone’s Apps, Clean Out Your Inbox, Clean Out the Junk Drawer, Declutter Your Shoes, Clean Out Your Freezer, Count Your Change, Clean Out ONE Clothes Closet, Clean Your Cleaners, and Clean Out Your Linen Closet. From there, head to Clean Out Old Bills, Clean Out Jewelry, Organize One Garage Shelf, Clean Out the Shower, Organize Medicines, Organize Your Safe or Lockbox, and Declutter Fitness Equipment.
Just a reminder, don’t forget to join the Financial Decluttering Facebook Group of 1500+ people for ideas and encouragement. You’ll love the photos of the clean wallets, clean refrigerator doors, car consoles, coupon binders, backpacks, purses, desks, shoes, inboxes, and more!
Now, on to the challenge!
Day 26: Declutter Your Budget
We all need a budget if we want success in our finances. If you’ve never budgeted before, the idea can be downright terrifying. And if you’re budgeting a married couple, those fears are double. I’ve written extensively in the past about the process of budgeting (stay tuned for some links to study up on). But today, we’re going to tackling decluttering your budget. This post is for you if you’ve never budgeted before. It’s also for you if you’re an ace budgeter. It’s time to dust off your numbers and make them sing again.
Why It Matters:
Without a plan for your money, it will slip through your fingers. If you’re not tracking your spending and income, your bills and savings, you’ll never pay off debt or really do as much as you might be able to do with your money.
There are plenty of different approaches to budgeting. Whether you use a piece of software like Quicken, an app, or a pencil and paper form, you need to do something. And if a budgeting strategy hasn’t worked in the past, it’s a good idea to find a new one.
I have plenty of free printables on my site to help you manage money if you don’t know where to begin. And while you’re at it, go ahead and read a few of these posts to help your journey.
- All New: FREE Printable Budget Forms You Can Edit
- 31 Debt Free Missions: Build your Budget
- 31 Ways to Kick Debt in the Teeth: CHANGE YOUR MIND ABOUT BUDGETING
- Budget Changes to Save Money and Pay Off Debt
- Begin Each Day with A Cup of Budget
- Manage Your Money in Small Parts: How Ketchup & Shampoo Help Youu Budget
- Budget Tip Tuesday: The Power of Just One Thing
How to Do It:
- If you have an existing budget, open up the file and take a look at it.
- Look for categories of spending you can reduce or eliminate.
- If you’ve never budgeted before, print this one out.
- Fill out your categories of spending.
- Set goals for reducing spending.
- If you’d like to try out a budgeting app, I’d suggest EveryDollar, Mint, or Mvelopes. I personally use Quicken on my laptop because that’s what works for us. There are plenty of options out there. It’s just important to choose something with good reviews and get after it.
- When you’re finished, take a photo and post it to the challenge post in the Financial Decluttering Group. We’ll celebrate your victory. And/or post on Instagram with the #FinancialDecluttering Hashtag.
- You’ll get bonus points and virtual fist bumps for interesting discoveries.
How to Keep It That Way:
Budgeting is a day by day sort of process. If you’re sticking your head in the sand, things are not going to get better. Budgeting is like breathing. You’ll feel better the more you do it. But sticking to patterns that don’t work won’t help you any.
It’s also a great idea to resource yourself. I’ll be the first to admit that even though I’ve learned a lot about budgeting, there are still holes in my knowledge. I think those that have been most successful with this challenge and paying off debt and pretty much anything in life or those who have the humility to realize they don’t know everything. Read great books. Do research online. Listen to podcasts. Keep learning about budgeting. That’s the best way to succeed.
A Few More Thoughts:
I can’t wait to see all we achieve together this month. I’ll continue sharing my own journey in the Financial Decluttering Facebook Group and via e-mails. Be sure you subscribe for both.
Post a photo of your budget victories and tips in the comments! I want to see what sorts of systems you use to organize.
Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage is now available! Be sure to check out videos on managing money together on Facebook.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
