So while I am okay at knowing where all my money goes, my problem is the idea of setting myself a limit with whatever I have left over after I have paid all my bills. It kind of scares me, or at the very least, can stress me out.
I am just wondering how anyone else deals with this kind of thing if they experience it. Sometimes, I over-stress myself to the point where I think it’s bad to go out and buy food for $5 when I am really hungry (and it’s a few hours before I have dinner) because it would be “over my budget for the week,” as just an example.
I also feel really depressed because I feel like I can’t do much since I have no money (even though I do have money in the bank, but again, it’s over my budget). The idea of setting up a limit can be stressful as I worry if I can get this or do this without going over my budget.
I understand how hard it is to stick to a budget. It’s like asking for advice and then dismissing it because it feels impossible to follow. For example, if drinking is making you overspend, you might be told to stop going out, but that can seem unrealistic. Instead, try setting smaller, more achievable goals, like reducing the number of outings or setting a strict spending limit for each outing.
I totally get how stressful budgeting can be, especially when it feels like it’s stopping you from enjoying life’s little pleasures. One way to ease that stress is to allow yourself a bit of flexibility. Instead of a rigid weekly budget, maybe set a monthly one with a little wiggle room for treats or spontaneous buys. You could also set up a small “treat fund” each week so you can enjoy small things guilt-free. Remember, budgeting is a tool to help you, not restrict you. Celebrate your small wins, like staying within your budget or saving up for something you want, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you go over sometimes. It’s all part of finding a balance that works for you.
