Budgeting is a term we hear all around, but creating and sticking to one just never seems possible. You always blow your paycheck and decide that budgeting isn’t in your blood.
Well, we have put together the most common mistakes made when it comes to budgeting.
Before you throw the towel in, it’s important to know that creating and sticking to a budget is an incredible skill. You have to put in practice to see results.
What is a common mistake made in budgeting? Keep reading to find out!
What Is A Common Mistake Made In Budgeting?
There is more than one mistake to be made in budgeting. From over-saving to overspending, the mistakes to be made are endless.
We have selected the four most common mistakes in budgeting and how you can start making the right changes to get you back on track.
1. Your Budget Is Unrealistic
Being overly optimistic about your spending is among the top budgeting errors to avoid. If you under-spend in some or all of your categories, you could not have as much money as you need to put toward your needs.
Often people will chronically under-budget, spend more than they calculated, and end up disheartened because they didn’t stick within their budget. This can lead to feeling unmotivated and send you on a spending spree.
You have to be honest with yourself about what you have, what you want to achieve, and what it is going to take to get there.
It is crucial that your budget is created for you and not based on those around you. This can create unrealistic expectations and cause you to fail.
2. Missing Expenses
When trying to create new habits it is important that you are aware of every downfall. This means keeping track of every expense you have throughout the month.
This can be as simple as getting the train to work or buying yourself a coffee in the morning.
If you neglect to include every expense within your spending plan, you find yourself using funds from other categories, causing your plan to fall apart.
You’ll need to periodically examine and modify your strategy to stay clear of these budgeting pitfalls because your spending habits will probably vary due to various life circumstances.
3. You Are Being Too Restrictive
While budgeting is to help you save and manage your money, being too restrictive can be detrimental to your plan.
Think of your budget as a diet; completely restricting yourself from your favorite foods is only going to lead to failure,
You need a healthy, balanced diet to keep you motivated and satisfied. Extended periods of time being restricted can be demotivating and tiring.
People eventually start to give in to the strain of attempting to achieve perfection. If you continue to be very frugal with your money, you can buckle under the pressure and go on a buying spree.
4. You Lack Motivation
When it comes to creating and sticking to a budget, you must have the motivation to remain dedicated and committed.
Lacking motivation can mean that once the novelty of budgeting wears off, you will fall back into old habits and neglect your financial goals.
How To Avoid Budgeting Mistakes
With so many mistakes to be made, it can be a bit of a minefield to navigate the world of budgeting. We have a few helpful tips to ensure you stay on track and keep within your budget. (See our article on the 50 30 20 budget template).
1. Track & Adjust
Consider using a budgeting and spending tool to help you combine your spending across bank accounts and credit cards if this budgeting error is preventing you from moving forward.
A budgeting tool allows you to link your bank accounts and receive frequent statistics on your expenditure across many categories. After that, you may start adjusting your spending and eliminating categories as necessary to fit your lifestyle.
2. Celebrate Milestones
To ensure that you don’t hit frugal fatigue, it is important to celebrate when you hit major milestones.
You don’t want to indulge so much that it sends you off track completely, but a small treat now and then will help boost your motivation to continue following your plan.
This can be as simple as going out for a small dinner with friends or buying a scoop of your favorite ice cream. Make sure to reward yourself for all of your hard work.
3. Define Your Goals
Do you want to pay off your college loans finally? Invest in a down payment for the home of your dreams. Journey around the globe? Having a clear, concise budget plan could be what helps you get there.
Having defined goals will ensure that you keep the bigger picture in mind. Make sure to write down the goals that inspire you and how much you need to save to make them happen. Now you can stay on track and avoid temptation.
You may find it beneficial to have your goals in a visual setting. Whether on a poster board or in your diary, it is important to be aware of your goals and what it is going to take to reach them.
4. Review & Revise
As your income and expenses can change month to month, your budget must reflect that. Otherwise, you could end up overspending without even knowing.
Take the time each month to review your income and expenses and adjust your budget so that it meets your needs.
Final Thoughts
Budgeting is an excellent way to help save and manage your money. Whether you want to gain more control over your spending or want to save for a special something, budgeting is the way to go.
Don’t get caught out with budgeting mistakes, leaving you unmotivated and disheartened. Be aware of the common mistakes in budgeting and how to avoid them.
Then you can focus on saving your hard-earned money to travel around the world or purchase your dream home.
As a current Mortgage Underwriter with 15 years of experience, I have seen my fair share of money-related issues. Whether that be high levels of debt, not enough credit, or simply a lack of funds - I’ve had clients who fit into these categories.
Here I will share tips, tricks, and experiences on how you can get yourself back in control of your finances.
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