My Approach to Budgeting

Write about your approach to budgeting.

My Approach to Budgeting

I try to budget, but I’m not overly strict with it. Life just doesn’t work that way, especially with rising costs and ongoing health needs. If I’m hot, I turn on the air. If I’m cold, I turn up the heat. My comfort and well-being matter more than forcing myself to suffer just to stay perfectly within a budget.

The reality is that you can try to plan all you want, but utility companies, healthcare costs, medication prices, car insurance, taxes, grocery prices, and rent increases make it nearly impossible to stick to a rigid budget. It often feels like everyone puts their hand in the kitty jar before we even get our check, and they take what they want as if it’s already theirs. Then we are left with whatever remains.

Because of that, I believe in being mindful, but not miserable. I watch my spending more now that we live in Florida, because everything is overpriced and try to make wise choices, but I refuse to go without everything just to live paycheck to paycheck with no joy. We work hard, deal with a lot, and deserve to enjoy life a little along the way.

For me, budgeting is about balance. Pay your bills, cover your responsibilities, and be as careful as you can. But also allow yourself small comforts and moments of happiness. Send a surprise gift to family. Life is too short to live in constant deprivation just to say you followed a perfect budget.

One thing I always try to do is give 10% or more to my church or a meaningful organization. Giving reminds me that even when finances are tight, I am still blessed and able to bless others.

My approach isn’t about perfection. It’s about living wisely, giving generously, and still allowing yourself to actually live, not just survive, between paychecks.