The most challenging aspect of budgeting, for me at least, is actually staying within the budget. Personally, budgeting helps me plan how my money will be used and keep myself financially secure especially during hard times.
I wanted to bring this up because I need some advice on controlling these expenses and also invite you to share your experiences and where your struggles lies.
So this is my list from starting with the most difficult:
I live in Canada, with my SO and no children, just to help put the prices into perspective.
1. Groceries and supplies - 400$/month budgeted
This includes food, cleaning supplies, toiletries, etc. I find it very hard to determine the amount I will be spending in a given month because I don't know when I'll run out of certain supplies. It doesn't help that we bulk shop for supplies that don't spoil which means every few months there's a giant explosion of spending. Also, even though I come to the grocery store with a meal plan and a grocery list, it's easy to stray off the path and buy things based your appetite. I could eat beans and rice all week but I want to spoil myself a little bit. As a result, every month, I go over budget for groceries.
2. Restaurants and takeout - 125$/month budgeted
This one sounds easy on paper to me. On most days, either me or my SO cooks healthy food at home. I plan for a little take out and some restaurant outings but things explode every month. My SO and I aren't the most mentally stable people on the planet, so we find ourselves on several nights, more than I planned, too depressed or lazy to cook at night. So I or she decide to order some takeout food, it's just a little bit more right? Turns out it adds up quickly. Also, lets not forget outings with friends which are never planned early. Plus don't forget what happens when you don't pack lunch one day for work or school, you have to buy some expensive stuff nearby.
3. Personal clothing and cosmetics - 75$/month budgeted
When I first moved out, and lived alone, this one wasn't so bad. When my SO moved in, I thought I just had to roughly double the amount. Since she's using her measly income to pay for her Master's degree, I though it would only be fair if I took care of her daily expenses, there's not that much anyways. However, what took me by surprise is how much more expensive products for woman are, especially make up. She doesn't go overboard, she only refills what she needs but it always ends up costing more than I thought. Plus, lets not forget the random formal events with specific clothing themes or the seasonal stuff.
That's my list. How can I keep these under control? What are your toughest budgeting categories?
Submitted March 25, 2017 at 07:47PM by divergent_fallacies http://ift.tt/2oikmF4
