How to Beat and Prevent Budget Burnout!
Lets be honest. Not everyone enjoys spreadsheets, budgets, and numbers as much as I do, which is understandable. Budget burnout issomething that most of us face when you trying to reach our financial goals.
My husband and I experienced this a couple of years ago. We were in the middle of getting out of debt and felt like random expenses were just falling from the sky. We had to have our house painted, pay for a busted pipe at our rental home, pay hefty car expenses all within a matter of months. This is when we first experienced BUDGET BURNOUT! It didn't last long and we eventually still met our financial goals. I have a few tips that helped us during that time and ways to prevent it from happening.
Be Realistic with your goals
Really take your time and plan your journey to debt freedom. Some many people want to see how fast they can pay off their debt. To me, this is a huge mistake. If you throw all of your cash to debt, you will have to use a credit card when life hits you in the face with a large expense. Plan your debt free journey so that you find something that works for you.
Give yourself a small personal allowance
This works! Its gives you something to look forward to at the end of each month so that you don't experience budget burnout, no matter how small it is. Rewarding yourself with good behavior makes you want to continue going.
Look how far you've come
Take a step back and pat yourself on the back. Even if you are at the beginning of your journey, it takes courage to start. Every month you get closer and closer to your goal. Recognize these steps and what your definition of financial freedom is. Once you do, when/if burnout comes, it will pass quickly.
Change up your budgeting system
Try changing it up a bit. If you use Excel to create a budget (See what I use here), then try writing it down the old fashioned way. If you write it down, try using Mint.com or excel for a change of pace. Also start using cash envelopes if you don't already or use a debit card with only the amount of cash you need for each budget. Changing it up can reignite your desire to become debt free.
Think about the bigger picture
Really ask yourself "What is your end goal?" and "What does it mean to you?" Once you define it, it will be totally worth it. These small sacrifices are only a small season of your life. As Dave Ramsey says, "Live like no one else so that you can live and give like no one else."
Hopefully these tips and tricks will help you avoid or get through budget burnout. Being debt free is one of the most powerful things you can do financially.
What do you do to prevent budget burnout?