What is the easiest way to create a budget that is flexible enought to live upon?
avu* asked:
I spend too much money. If I’m desperate to spend, I go through my spare change and use my quarters. Believe me, I have a lot of money in just quarters. But still, for me if I don’t buy something I go crazy. It’s like I have to just buy something to have this little instant gratification that “I won”. I can’t explain it, but it’s true. In the past I’ve tried to create a budget by outlining what I spend my money on and cutting out things, but it just hasn’t worked. Help!
I spend too much money. If I’m desperate to spend, I go through my spare change and use my quarters. Believe me, I have a lot of money in just quarters. But still, for me if I don’t buy something I go crazy. It’s like I have to just buy something to have this little instant gratification that “I won”. I can’t explain it, but it’s true. In the past I’ve tried to create a budget by outlining what I spend my money on and cutting out things, but it just hasn’t worked. Help!
February 1st, 2009 at 12:34 pm
this is not normal as far as i know. you need to build a budget that takes into account your lifestyle. it also has to take into account things like clothing and car maintenance down the road. if you have a compulsion to spend you may think about setting a limit on it such as under 2.00 so that you can do it more often but its just like any addiction cold turkey is best but its also the hardest. seek therapy if this is a constant thing and if you feel forced to do it.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:28 pm
you should live in Sarajevo during the war to see how little we need for living
February 6th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
There’s a good article here:
about a guy who, after 20 years of keeping various budgets, decided to come up with the ideal solution. He outlines a simple approach to ensure he lives within his means and saves enough for emergencies and retirement.
Of cource, reading about it and actually being able to put it into practice are two different things, but it’s a good starting point.