January Budget Doldrums

Now that we are 3 weeks into the new year, I'm sure if you made a resolution to do better with your money, your enthusiasm is starting to wain.  Have no fear!  I'm here for a mid-month pep talk.  First of all, remember a couple of things.  Change doesn't happen overnight and it's the little things that add up to be big.  Start by taking baby steps.  You can get anywhere by taking baby steps, right?  So here's a few steps you can follow if you're new to the game. 

1~ Lay out your entire budget- Income vs. Expenses.  Let it all hang out, flab and all.  This won't be pretty but you need to know what you spend on everything from debt payments to gas and groceries.  Don't forget little things like activities for the kids, lunches, and pet supplies.  Chances are you're going to feel anxious and overwhelmed by this, especially if what goes out is more than what comes in.  

2~ Cut it in half.  If doing an entire month is too much, start with a pay period instead.  This is a great way to break things off into bite sized pieces.  This is what I do and it's become super easy.

3~ Remember your four walls ALWAYS come first.  Read here for more about that.  These big pieces always go into place first so you don't have to worry about what you're going to eat, or if the electricity is going to be shut off.

4~ Choose one area that you want to change right now.  Maybe you'll start using cash for everyday expenses instead of credit or debit cards.  Maybe it's cutting back on dining out.   Maybe you need to shop around for insurance because it's been a while since you've looked.  Maybe it's even as simple as menu planning to save on your impulse grocery spending.  Regardless, find something that you can start today.  Once you've mastered that one thing, choose another.

5~ Remember to take one day at a time.  There's nothing more discouraging than feeling like you're stuck.  Taking baby steps one day at a time helps.  Life is never perfect and neither is budgeting.  But if you keep at it, you will achieve your goals.

Hope Vs Financial Discouragement

Maybe it's because of the kind of week that I've had or maybe it's because I needed an infusion of hope and courage to fight past it.  That's why I chose this as a tip of the week.  Discouragement really is one of those things that comes with the territory of life experience.  There will always be forms of it constantly nipping at our heels.  Whether it's physical or mental challenges for us or our loved ones, relational or career disappointments or financial problems, discouragement takes many forms.  So how do you keep it at bay in a world plagued with discouragement?  Perspective is the key to giving you hope and courage.  Because without the proper perspective it's very easy to become negative and discouraged about your situation.  


I specifically want to talk about financial discouragement, since that's what I go up against when working with clients.  I think that's why I chose to print "Inspiring Hope and Change in your Finances" on my business cards.  There is nothing more satisfying for me than to see hope restored in a client's eyes when they realize that there situation is not really as bleak as they thought it was.  Hope is a great tool for fighting discouragement.  It gives you courage to fight another day, to try harder, and of course, to keep things in perspective.  Discouragement often holds people back so much that they think, "what's the point, nothing will make a difference."  So they just go on doing nothing about it.  If you are discouraged financially, like I have been this week, don't give up hope.  Don't lose sight of what you really are trying to accomplish.  Remember the goals that you have set and know that with persistence and diligence you will achieve them.  Sure you might have some setbacks, but everyone does.  If, however, you still need that extra kick in the pants to jolt you into action, know I am always here for you.  This is what I live for.