Budgets? Budgets? We dont need no stinking Budget

Budgeting can feel a bit daunting, but let's break it down into simpler, more manageable steps. Here's how we can approach it without spreadsheets!

1. Start with the visuals: How do you feel about using colorful charts or apps that show your spending with graphs? Visual cues can make the numbers feel less abstract and more real, which can be super helpful.

2. Keep the budget simple: Instead of a detailed list that covers every possible expense, what if we group similar expenses together? Like all food-related costs goes in one category or bucket. All monthly bills, go into one category or bucket, and all entertainment money in the third category or bucket. This way, you won't get overwhelmed by too many details.

3. Automate what you can: How do you feel about setting up your payments so they handle themselves? With monthly bills try your best to automate their payments. Set them and forget them is the best option! We can automate bill payments and savings so you won't have to worry about missing due dates or accidentally spending the mortgage payment.

4. Try using cash for daily spending: this is my favorite bucket! Have you tried having a weekly cash budget for day-to-day expenses? It can make it easier to see when you're about to go over budget because you can literally see your wallet emptying out.

5. Set goals that excite you: What's a goal you are be excited to save for? Maybe a vacation or a new gadget? Having a clear goal can help you focus your spending and make saving a bit more fun.

6. Check in regularly: What do you think about setting a weekly or monthly "money date" to check on your finances? Putting it on your calendar can help make it a regular habit. You could review what's working and adjust as needed. Typically, your monthly bills have a little left over, or you can add pay myself as a monthly bill to ensure you have money for a rainy day that's already built into your budget.

7. Find a budgeting app that clicks with you: There are some cool apps out there like Mint, YNAB, or Toshl Finance that can alert you when you're about to overspend. Want to give one of those a try?

8. Get a budget buddy: Do you think having a friend or family member to check in with about your budget could help? They could offer support and keep you motivated.

9. Be flexible and adjust: How about we keep an open mind and adjust the budget as we go? If one month is heavier on unexpected expenses, we can tweak things a bit for the next one.

10. Go easy on yourself: Lastly, remember its totally okay to slip up sometimes. Everyone does! The important thing is to learn from it and move forward.