I know “budget” may seem like a dirty word. For many people, it means you can’t spend money on the things you want to spend money on. Some view budgets as a bunch of constrictions, unwanted controls and simply impossible to follow. You may think they suck the fun out of everything…
But today we’ll shatter everything you think you know about budgets, and give you a completely different take. It may be different than what you’ve heard in the past, and that’s okay. (In fact, it may be a good thing!)
In truth, a budget is just a way for you to reach your financial, business, personal, relationship, and even health, goals. You’re probably saying, “Dani, how on earth can a budget help me reach my goals?”
Once you create your budget and stick to it, you will be amazed by how it frees you to do the things that truly matter to you. Sure, in the beginning, it may be difficult. But I promise, if you stick to it and exercise self-control, you will reap the benefits!
There are a few steps to this process, so I’m going to break it down over the next couple of weeks. Today we’re just taking that first step.
To get where you want to go, you must know your starting point. So today, let’s identify your financial habits. You need to understand the kind of financial decisions you’re currently making and, in the process, you’ll probably discover some decisions you didn’t even realize you were making!
So, grab a piece of paper, a pen, some highlighters and your bank statement. Make a list of the bare minimum you need to survive: housing, transportation and food. And then find out where your money is going. And I mean every red cent! Now, start highlighting every single expenditure:
Once you do this, your statement will look like a rainbow. Add up the expenses in each category to see the totals. Then, go through each category and figure out what is a true necessity and what is a luxury.
Be careful, because it’s easy to label a luxury a necessity. Let’s look at food, for example. The $5 coffee – is it a necessity or a luxury? Eating out (fast food, the deli, a restaurant) – necessity or luxury? Picking up something for lunch because you forgot to pack a lunch for work – necessity or luxury?
It’s easy to get caught up in the emotional aspect of this. Maybe you don’t want to admit you spend $300 a month on fast food, or $500 a month shopping online. You might be shocked by the numbers you see on your bank statement. Maybe you’re ashamed. As you go through this exercise, I want you to momentarily separate yourself from your banks statement. Be totally objective. Consider looking at it as if it belonged to a total stranger.
Getting through this initial exercise may be hard, but this sets the stage for your financial future. As soon as you figure out where you’re starting, you will see what habits need to change and then you can turn and walk in the other direction – toward financial independence!
Add up the expenses that are real necessities. Everything else is “fat” in your budget. This is the extra money you spend on foolish things. This is where all your hard-earned cash goes! This is where you will find the money to annihilate your debt, go on your dream vacation, pay for your kids’ college tuition, build a home for a Nicaraguan family in need, or anything else your heart desires! Remember when I said budgeting is a way to help you reach your goals? This is why! Understand, now?
Hold onto your highlighted bank statement, because next week we are going to go even deeper on this topic. You’re going to learn how to create a budget you can actually stick to. Trust me, it’s not as bad as it sounds! I know budgeting can seem like a big, scary monster, but in all reality, it’s only going to help you in the long run!
I am so excited for you to start this journey today, my friend. Stick with me, and we’re going to get you on the road to financial success!
Oh, and I almost forgot… you have some homework before you get the next installment of this “budgeting bootcamp.” Leave a comment telling me about your current budget. Do you have a budget? If so, do you stick to it? What is the hardest part of keeping a budget? Were you taught to budget, or is it something you’ve had to learn as you go? Tell me below!
And remember to join me today for The Dani Johnson Show to keep adding to your success strategies! Tune in on your TV and radio and please remember you can always stream today’s show right here on our website.
In great faith,
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