Hot take: people think a budget means you can't spend money

I keep seeing friends get stressed about their budget like it's a punishment. They'll say 'I can't go out, I'm on a budget' and then blow it all in one go later. My win was setting aside $75 a month just for fun stuff, no questions asked. It's been six months and I haven't touched my savings for a random want since. That small 'fun' line in my spreadsheet stopped the cycle of feeling restricted and then splurging. How do you build a little guilt-free spending into your plan?

3 comments

3 Comments

zara5721mo ago

Remember my friend's "no coffee" budget?

margaret30429d ago

Oh that "no coffee" budget fell apart by day three for her, right? Best trick I learned is to set a small cash envelope for it each week so you see exactly when it's gone.

karen_perry381mo ago

Oh, that whole thing. Did she ever actually stick to it, or was it just something she talked about for a week? Those budgets always seem to fall apart when real life hits, like needing that one pick-me-up on a tough Tuesday.