It’s now February and maybe one of your resolutions was to do better with your budget this year. If you’ve stayed on track, nice work! You’re awesome.
BUT if you’ve lost a little bit of steam, read on… (and you’re still awesome).
Here’s a second chance at your budget
Just because things haven’t gone quite according to plan doesn’t mean all your hard work has failed. Give yourself some grace and take your second chance.
Here’s what to do if you got off track.
Bring your budget with you
Your budget is at home on your computer, but you’re out in the real world swiping your cards and making purchases.
Since you have your phone with you anyway, login to Goodbudget and you’ll quickly know how much you have left to spend on groceries.
Get on the same page
You bought groceries, and your spouse bought take-out. But you’ve both used more than the entire Food budget on your purchases! What now?
Get everyone on the same page (at least in the same chapter) by adding those expenses to Goodbudget right away.
Plan for big expenses
Birthday gifts! Doh! Car repairs! Oops…
Expect the unexpected and start saving now. Create that Annual Car Repairs Envelope. When it comes time to buy those new tires, you’ll already have the money saved up in your budget.
Be flexible
So, you overspent on Fun. Know that you’re a real person with real expenses.
Move extra money from Groceries to make up for the overspending in Fun. You’ll be as good as new and ready to keep on keeping on.
Say “yes” to getting it right
Remember, budgets are flexible and we think you should be too. Know where things went wrong, say “OK” and then try your best with this second chance. We believe in you.
Happy budgeting!
– The Goodbudget Team
