Do you Keep a Budget?

I don't actually keep a budget but I enter everything I spend onto an accounting package.

No idea why -=I used to do it when I had a business for many years, but now I am on my own and my brother, an accountant, cant understand why I still write everything down!

So, no budget for me but I can tell you how much I spend on most articles/items!

by Finy

What a good idea!

The fact that you'd know how much you spent every month is still a very good way of monitoring spending, good for you!

but it is not of any use for me any more!
It is a silly habit I ,for some reason, will not drop.
I don't look at the figures any more as I spend what I want and do not need to be on a strict budget, so what is the point
!!!!

Is it time for an intervention, Finy :-))

that has been tried, and i didnt do it for almost 3 months, but the other dday I just felt I HAD to do it and it took me nearly all day!

I have a certain amount budgeted for my mortgage and bills and this figure gets put away each payday, Then I have the money ready when the bills come in. I also have a food budget that I stick to each month. Other than that, not really. I will buy petrol and other necessities and then whatever money is left, I put straight into savings.

by thriftyfrugalfun

I have a budget insofar that I know exactly what amount I spend on bills and my mortgage and I put this money to one side every month. Away from that I estimate other spending such as shopping, going out, petrol and other incidentals, so that I roughly know how much I am aiming to save in the month. Once a year I review all my bills such as insurances, and providers to ensure that I am getting the best possible deal for my money.

I have thought about entering everything onto a spreadsheet, but I think I need a bit more discipline.

by helenonthesofa