Poll: Do you have a hard time sticking to a budget?

By Susie (Guest Post)

With gas prices fluctuating as they are it is impossible to stick to a budget.

By

LI Roe

I have always stuck to a budget. At one point, years ago, I used to have envelopes for special items (vacations, larger purchases, even for possible tax payments at income tax time, if I didn't have to pay, it went into the other envelopes). One of my friends even used that envelope idea. But you have to be very disciplined for that type of savings since it is very accessible. Now as a retired widow with no intentions of going back to work, I stick to a budget and do splurge though. I pay bills online (saves on stamps), walk daily and incorporate my shopping (as much as I can carry) to avoid using my car unnecessarily (gas in my area is now up to $2.95 at some stations), use coupons. Love those clearance sales, helps my budget. It is only me (no kids) so I guess I have a bit of advantage. Good luck everyone who does try to stick to a budget.

LI Roe

By Kathryn (Guest Post)

As long as the budget is realistic and takes into account some scope for "spoiling yourself" so you don't always feel like you are missing out, it should be easy. Also, do not make money for bills accessible, ie. put it in another account with no card and pay all bills automatically or online. I have an account for my spending money, when it's gone, it's gone and I can't spoil my budget.

By

wondergirl

Most People have a hard time sticking to a budget because of limited finances. I'm a single Mom raising 2 teenagers on a miminal wage salary.