Fall in Love with Your Budget
It’s the month of love, people! While we might talk about romantic love a few times, I really want to focus on the most important love: the love we have for ourselves and for the lives we’re creating. The best way to love ourselves is to invest in ourselves. For that reason, we’re kicking off a new series for each Tuesday in February: “Fall in love with…” highlighting the best things to fall in love with to invest in yourself.
Today’s topic: fall in love with your budget.
I know, it has nothing to do with conversation hearts or mounds of chocolate, but financial freedom is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Hands down, ladies, finances are one of the top reasons women like ourselves are not pursuing their dreams. Money plays a crucial role in how we show up & are able to present ourselves fully. Not convinced by the evidence in your own life, check it out.
So what does it mean to fall in love with your budget? Similar to falling in love with another, real life, breathing human, there are a few things that are key to keeping your relationship with your budget strong.
To have one.
Imaginary boyfriends are great, but imaginary budgets don’t work. Whether it is an app or piece of paper or program on your computer, you need to be working with real life numbers (preferably the ones in your own bank account.) I wrote an entire post about this, so click here for FAQ about creating a budget that works for you. There’s even a free template if you’re just getting started!
To prioritize it.
Gilmore Girls fans can all agree Dean was the worst, but when Rory put an evening at home doing the laundry over spending time with him, I understood his frustration. What I’m saying is, you can’t always pick your laundry (or anything else for that matter) over your budget. You’ve got to spend time with it. DTR and make a date with your budget at least weekly, so you can ensure that you’re in a good place—not overspending or missing money.
To protect it.
Equally as important, you’re got to protect those numbers! Almost everything in our capitalist society is trying to get it on with your money. Targeted ads, social media influencers, Target—you name it, they are all saying they’ll love you better, make you happier, help you be more successful if you just buy their product. But you know better than that! You know that by protecting your budget, refusing to overspend, and making the best financial decisions for you, you are actually “the one” for yourself.
February has just started, but it is not too late to pour yourself a glass of wine, eat some pasta (cause it feels like an inexpensive luxury), and spend time figuring out your finances. Really, go ahead and get this date on your calendar.
Questions to Ask to Fall in Love with Your Budget:
Ask yourself, does my spending reflect love towards myself and the things I’m pursuing?
If not, how can I love myself better with my budget? What am I spending? Am I spending more than I’m taking in? Am I paying myself first or do I get my own leftovers?
If so, where or who else can I spread love by being more intentional with my finances? Where am I spending? How are my spending habits are reflecting my priorities? Am I spending money on brands and in places that support my values? Am I giving money to people & organizations I believe in?
Download my free budget template here & get signed up for future financial resources!
Make It Official:
Want to really fall in love with your budget this February, grab these cute budget trackers for you socials! Download & post in your stories every day to increase your accountability & financial success!
