You ever get to the middle of the month and realize that there is more month than money left. It’s the middle of the month and I still need to pay bills, eat, get my nails did etc. But where is the money to do all these things? That was me before I started budgeting. However, budgeting has a negative connotation. Most people don’t like limits and want to buy what they want. So what I like to tell people is have intention with your money. That means don’t just spend spend spend! Know where your money is going, and make sure what you are spending your money on things that add value to your life. Value that when you look back you will know where it went, and not have have regrets. Remember you work too hard to not ball on a budget! Here are three ways I am intentional with my money.
- I know how much money I am expecting each month
- At the beginning of the month I project my income. If you are like me and have an inconsistent income it is important to have a projection established each month. If you know how much money you are going to make that is great. Now you can base your spending off that set amount.
- I set up autopay for bills through my bank account.
- Make it automatic. Most of my bills are on autopay. Why because most of them do not change. Banks have come a long way, and they make it so easy for you to pay your bills. I set up autopay through my bank and not the company because it allows me to maintain control. Have you ever received a bill and the amount they are charging you is greater than the amount you agreed to pay the company? If the company has you on autopay through your credit card, bank, etc they will take that money out your account. Then you look at your account and think wait they took all my money! Now you have to call and argue with customer service, just for them to give you a credit and not your money. What is that saying “I want my money back the same way I gave it to you!” Not no damn credit. Doing bill pay through your bank allows you to avoid this.
- I establish what is important each month and create a budget for it.
- At this point I know how much money I am expecting. My bills are paid. Now it’s time to live. Each month I set intentions for things and experiences based off what is left after bills and investments. One of my top expenses is food. I love food! I love to cook, and I enjoy eating out at quality restaurants. Each week I give myself a weekly budget for food, and most times I don’t go over. But I am human, so sometimes I go over. That means I may have to wait to enjoy another luxury in my life. I may not buy as much clothing, or I will paint my nails myself. By the time the end of the month comes I did most of the things I wanted, but I knew where my money went. And I truly enjoyed what I did with it.
Budgeting does not mean you can’t enjoy life. It just means you have created intentions with your life. You are deciding to control your money and not allow it to control you. Setting intentions has allowed me to have the control I desire over my life. Make sure you check out my YouTube video on this topic. The link is below. Comment below on how you budget, and blog topics you would like to see me discuss.