Why Successful Budgeting is Like Building a Relationship
Like the butterflies in your stomach when you meet that special someone, budgeting can be exciting when you first begin. However, like so many relationships the budget begins to have cracks, then flaws, then serious issues. If you can’t overcome and work with these issues, much like dating, it will soon end in heartbreak. Don’t worry, budgets aren’t all the same and I’m sure there’s a perfect budget out there for you somewhere. That’s why, like dating, budgeting is something that is a work in progress, but will ultimately lead to happiness.
Since a budget is simply a way of defining where your money goes it’s completely adaptable and flexible depending on the person. Each of us decides to use our budgets in different ways since we’re all spending our money differently. You may decide to budget for a shopping spree at the mall or for a down payment on a house. Either way, each budget will reflect the person who sets it up. If the budget and the person don’t match, there’s going to be trouble in paradise.
When I think of the perfect relationship I think of a girl who’s understanding, fairly introverted, and willing to try new things. Oh, and she would also be a blonde. However, your ideal partner might be outgoing, a spitfire, and a red head.
Budgeting is no different. For me, the perfect budget is something that allows for long term investing, some funds for travel, and a focus on low costs of living. So my relationship will be completely different to my budget than yours which may focus more on short term cash, higher costs of living, shopping for clothes, and no funds for travel.
Relationships Require Balance
Relationships are all about balance. If you can’t strike a balance and flow well with the other person you won’t get along. Likewise if you’re with the person all day and every day you’re probably going to get sick of them. Budgeting is similar because you need to focus on several things without focusing your energy on just one budget area. If you only focus on buying clothes your investments will be hurt, but if you focus only on your investments your social life might suffer. You need to find the correct balance in your budget.
Finding the Ideal Relationship
It might take some time, but through practice you’ll find your ideal budget. You need to date a lot in order to find “the one” so you should also play around with your budget to learn what you like and what you don’t like.
You still have to be able to say no to some budgets because they’re going to be wayyyy too bad for you. Much like an obsessive or abusive relationship you’ve got to realize when to walk away and although it may hurt in the short term, saying no to some budgets will make you financially stronger in the long run.
Why Relationships Fail
People who don’t like their relationship with their budget typically don’t like it because it doesn’t focus on the things they’re interested in or doesn’t make them feel like they’re accomplishing their financial goals. Your relationship with your budget should reflect your goals, your hopes, and your dreams, much like your partner should.
Waiting for “The One”
Finding your perfect budget won’t happen overnight, but with persistence and a positive mental attitude you’ll eventually strike the balance. Just keep working at it, be open to other new budgets and when you’re not happy tweak it a bit until you are.
Budgeting, like dating, should be a fun and rewarding process. The reward of budgeting correctly will be having a greater control of your financial destiny. Much like watching a healthy relationship grows. You’ll be able to see your debt shrink, watch your savings account grow, and your stress about money melt away. Hang in there, but don’t give up on finding that perfect budget!
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