Some people think budgeting is a chore for people who don’t have much money. This is completely wrong. Budgeting is for people who want to achieve their financial goals, whether wealthy or struggling. In fact, people with the most money are notoriously the most prolific budgeters.
Budgeting is the process of setting up a plan for future income and expenses. By creating a budget, you can ensure that you are spending and saving money for the things you value the most. Budgeting is not depriving yourself of the things you love.
If you create a budget and stick to your budget, you will lack debt, have better credit, have more savings and be able to take risks that you otherwise couldn’t take. You will be prepared for emergencies and be free from the stress that plagues so many people and relationships.
Being “On A Budget”
Have you ever heard someone say they can’t afford something they want, because they’re “on a budget?” This ridiculous phrase riles me every time I hear it. What the person should be saying is “I can’t afford to go on that trip, because I don’t have a budget and have no idea where my money went this year.”
Being on a budget is not synonymous with having no money and being a budgeter means knowing exactly where your money goes.
The Big Picture
It’s absolutely never too early or late to start a budget, so whether you’re in college or about to retire, everything you need to know is on this website and in my book.
More than anything, having a budget will make it easier to achieve financial freedom. You will have identified the things that mean the most to you in life and your budget will connect you with them.
If you’re ready to setup your budget, or just want to get some great tips, check out my article How To Budget where I show you how to become a budgeter in no time without having to touch a boring spreadsheet or spend a penny on software.
Photo Credit: beltzner
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