There are many reasons why you may not want to create a budget. Yet, anyone who has achieved financial freedom will tell you that budgeting is the key to financial success. In fact, it’s the blueprint for financial independence.
Yet, only 32 percent of people actually use a budget. Why are so many people avoiding this important step towards financial success? Here are a few reasons why many people don’t budget today:
1. Budgets set limitations
When you hear the word budget, do you cringe? Budgeting often has a negative connotation associated with it. When you think about budgeting, you probably think that it means you’ll have to cut off all of your fun expenses. In truth, it’s more of process to help you understand where your money is going. A budget can help you set aside money each month for necessities as well as wants.
When you understand where your money is going each month, you can then decide how to make your money work best for you. Maybe you could eat out one less day each week and put an extra $50 towards saving up for that vacation you’ve always wanted to go on. A budget doesn’t make you lose control over your finances, it helps you gain control.
2. Creating a budget means you’re doing things wrong
Many people feel like creating a budget means they’re admitting they can’t control their finances on their own. Therefore, they choose not to create a budget due to pride. They have a system that works for them and don’t need a budget to mess things up. But, everyone can benefit from setting up a budget. Even Dave Ramsey, who teaches people how to achieve financial success, creates a written budget each month. Creating a budget will help improve your financial system, not derail it.
3. It will lead to marital fights
Budgeting will likely bring every expense to light. So you may need to explain a few spur-of-the-moment purchases to your spouse every once in a while. This can cause a lot of heartache and pain in your relationship. However, don’t jump to conclusions or play the blame game. Use this opportunity to work together. Make goals together and start saving for a better future together.
4. Laziness
Does the thought of clipping coupons to stay under budget each month overwhelm you? Would you rather spend your evening working on a budget or watching an entertaining movie? Most people know that they should have a budget, but can think of a million other things they’d rather be doing instead. So they push it off. Over and over again. Don’t let your laziness today ruin your financial opportunities in the future.
5. Don’t know where to start
How do you even know what you should be spending on groceries and gas each month? What is the best program to use? Should you use a written budget or an online program, like RentPlusMoney? It can be a lot to comprehend. The best way to start is to monitor your expenses for a few months. Don’t make any adjustments, just keep track of where your money is going. Once you have an idea of where your money is going each month, you can start making changes to your expenses to better afford the things you want and need. You’ll have a better understanding of where your money is going, and you’ll make your money work for you… instead of the other way around.
“Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” – Babe Ruth
Sit down and create a budget today. What are you waiting for?
