[Suzanne]

Creating a budget is something many of us try to do, but sticking to it can be a real challenge. With so many different methods and tools available—like spreadsheets, budgeting apps, or even just pen and paper—it can be hard to know which approach is the most effective.

Some people swear by tracking every dollar, while others prefer more flexible systems that allow room for unexpected expenses.

So I’m curious: What strategies, habits, or tools have helped you create a budget that you could actually stick to over time?

Was there a turning point that made budgeting easier or more sustainable for you?

Whether you’re great with money or have just found a system that works for your lifestyle, I’d love to hear your experience.

Feel free to share any specific techniques or lessons learned along the way.

Your input could really help others who are struggling to build a realistic and effective budget.

[Jackie]

When we track every dollar we spend, we always have gobs of money.

When we don’t track, somehow the money dries up. Tracking really helps us curb spending.

[Shawyna]

Be honest with yourself, you need to track spending and see where your money is going. You also have to he honest with yourself about your Wan and needs and what is most important for yourself.

Paying off debt was the most important thing for years, I would take spending money etc because nothing was more important than paying everything off.

I am very honest with myself that I need clothes but don’t need new 1s, I need to eat but I don’t need chips etc.

I find a budget is just numbers and information to make it work I have to be honest with myself.

[Johnson]

A budget is a noun and a verb
10% off the top
Write it down

I use paper and pen or pencil
You can use an app or spreadsheet
Pay your bills
Housing
Food

Utilities & phone
Transportation
You have to have tracked your bank accounts to understand
What you need

But whatever you know you will spend on gets a line in the budget
Allocate the money you have towards the bills you have and things you need

Pay off debt to keep more income
What are you wasting money on and how can you block that
Take your lunch to work
Menu plan

Pull meat from the freezer instead of getting fast food
Stay off Amazon and out of Walmart and Target
You know what it is

And if you’re just not making enough
Sometimes that is the case
Then a side hustle or something

[Angela]

A budget is a tool, you have to choose to use it or not. Change your habits. If you carry cards, leave them at home.

Delete tap to pay from your phone.

Be determined to follow your budget and include a line item for spending money so you don’t feel a need to splurge.

[Jackie]

I allow $100 monthly that doesn’t need to be accounted for. When it’s gone, no more coffee, used books, thrift store clothes etc. knowing I have some cash to blow has kept me on track.

Tracking every penny for 3 months was where I started (and my unaccounted money was only $20 back then).

Don’t forget a gift fund, Christmas fund and all recurring but occasional expenses that aren’t monthly. I put away $425 monthly so I can pay my property taxes.

Some folks have various quarterly payments. These all need to be included. You also need a vehicle and home maintenance fund.

Tires last about 3 years so that’s $900/36 mos = $25 monthly X the number of vehicles you own. I put all these into a credit union account and withdraw when needed.

Don’t forget that you need an emergency fund. It’s overwhelming at first but it makes sense after a time. My dog has a $100 monthly budget for food, toys, vet, meds and nail trims. That wouldn’t cover an emergency though.

I use an excel spreadsheet and can go back 11 years. My daughter was successful with the Dave Ramsey Plan, I read Suzy Ormans Women and money many years ago to pay off debt and establish a budget.

Credit Cards are money sucking – we needed a new fridge and they gave us 1 year interest free but the rate is 29.99 if not paid.

I divided the purchase price by 11 so it’s paid off in time. The interest would be over $100 if not paid off on time.

[Tristia]

The only way that worked for us was to budget some pocket money for both of us that did not need to be answered for.

Helps stay on track if you have a little something in your pocket that you can spend how you want.

[Kristie]

YouTube some old episodes of Gail Vaz Oxlade’s show Til Debt Do Us Part.

You’ll see examples of how Gail analyzes the family’s spending and sets up an appropriate budget

[Cathrene]

Be focused with goals and work on them via your budget.
Write it out and be honest with yourself.
Do not spend more than you bring in.

If you have been, make the first goal to pay debt and never do credit.
Never never never give up.

If you persist you will make it work.

[Debbie]

Discipline and honesty in where your money goes. Many plans out there but none work unless you keep to the budget and keep sticky fingers off.

[Karen]

I actually think it can be effective to work on habits. Look at your expenditures and see what habits and emotions are driving your spending.

For example, do you add extra items during shopping?

If so then maybe ordering online would save you money? Do you drive thru for coffee?

Examine what drives you to spend unnecessarily and work on modifying those behaviors

[Anggi]

Making sure you’ve accurately tracked your spending, so you know where your money is going.

Without knowing where your money is going, you don’t know where you need to make cuts.

[Anisa]

I’ve tried alot of things. Envelopes, by weekly monthly. Latest one is the only one I’ve seen with an “allowance”.

The money I need to just randomly get a snack or drink at work or buy something small if I want.

It’s been two weeks and I’m trying to save each week for the other needs and bills I have towards the total month amount.

[Author]

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