Budgeting for 3 months - frustrated

General
1

I’ve been budgeting (down to the last cent) for about 3 months now.

Every single month we have something unexpected come up, mainly having to travel to my MIL who is in hospice now (terminal cancer).

Obviously I’m not mad about traveling to visit, it’s just what it is right now. But on top of that my partner constantly goes to gas stations (almost $1,000 last month). I know he’s struggling with his mom, but I feel so frustrated trying to get our finances in order and reach our ultimate financial goals while also being kind and gentle with him.

It makes me want to say “screw it” and give up.

Not even sure if I need advice or just a space to vent.

2

Budgets need flexibility—plan for emergencies, have a misc. category, and adjust as needed

3

Budgets need flexibility—add a misc. category, cut from extras when needed, and build an emergency fund

4

I love @debtfree.mom’s practical advice! We keep a budget buffer and each get ‘no-questions-asked’ money

5

We save $900, pad $350, and splurge $150 each. Travel adds up, but grocery cuts aren’t possible now

6

Try a cooler with his drinks/candy. Point out $13.50/day in gas station buys = $5K/year. It might click

7

Amazon has bulk snack items in just about anything you can think of and much cheaper than the gas station. Stock up at home and skip that trip completely.