It might help if you can create mutual savings goals. In that case, it won’t be as much about restricting spending as it will about reaching the goal. It’s a more positive way to reach the same outcome. Good luck!

Hi Rachel – The other thing an emergency fund does is keep you from panicking! That can happen when you’re budget is tight or when you get hit with an unexpected expense. Keeping control of your emotions is a big part of managing a successful budget, and an emergency fund helps you to do that.

I would love to budget, but tell me, how do you get a spouse on board? I don’t want to misrepresent, and she is very good about spending, but she does not want to be restricted or watch and track every penny that goes out – thoughts? Thanks!

Our method isn’t for everyone, but going this route has allowed us to go from saving very little to stashing away 20% of our income (not including retirement) each month for the past 3 years.

I think that if people looked at budgets differently, then they would work better. Meaning – look at a budget as something that tells you HOW you get to SPEND your money, not something that is restricting you telling you how you CAN’T spend your money.

This will help to remove some of the frustration people have with budgets.

I also think that you should always have a plan for your money. Always. Irregardless of what is going on in your life. Life is not perfect. There will be some moments in your life where you’re going through all hell, and during those moments it’s good to know that you’re money already has a plan.

Keeping a budget during those times will help to ease off the financial stress and will help you to sleep better at night. Also – when you get through that storm, you’ll be better off in the end because you didn’t go spending money you didn’t have all willy nilly to make you feel better