3 Simple Tricks for Starting a New Budget

BY Jeffrey January 25, 2023

The start of every new year is a great time to jump into new goals. But that’s not to say we can’t start any time! Often we just need a few extra days or weeks to really get focused on achieving our milestones. One such goal that might take some extra effort is setting and sticking to your yearly budget. Whether you’re new to budgeting or you’ve created a fair share, here are a handful of tips to help you nail your budgeting goals.

Start Simple

If your very first goal has you thinking, “I don’t know if I can hit that,” you may want to temper your expectations. This isn’t a bad thing, though! Starting off with smaller milestones not only builds confidence, but also establishes a solid foundation for your budget. When you start consistently clearly your early milestones, try increasing how much you save. Find compromise between what you save and what you spend. Any good budget saves you money. A better budget saves you money without stressing you out. 

Adjust Slowly

Nothing can be quite as defeating as smashing a goal only to miss your next one by a mile. As you continue to adjust your budget to fit your lifestyle needs, it’s crucial to do so in a way that’s manageable and, more importantly, achievable. There’s a reason why the phrase Baby Steps is used so often. Smaller steps can help hitting consecutive goals easier and faster. Try setting a savings goal that feels too easy. Once you’ve hit it a number of times, increase the amount by something similarly too easy. If you’re always increasing your savings by “Too Easy,” you’ll rarely run into problems where you can’t save enough. 

Aim for a Financial Goal

Our minds are wired for completing things. You probably know it well; that overwhelming sense of accomplishment when you complete a big project or finish a long journey. The same can be applied to having a budget. Saving money is what your budget is all about. But having something you’re saving for can make that whole process seem easier and more enjoyable. Saving for something in particular can also help you avoid unnecessary spending habits. So whether it’s a new car, hot tub, or road trip to your favorite vacation spot, make sure your budget has a destination. Once you’ve got your goal set, it’s just a matter of time.

Don’t Give Up!

Bonus tip #4, don’t give up. Budgets are hard! They can completely upend our lifestyle and how we enjoy spending our money. There’s bound to be times when you really want something outside of your budget. And you know what? That’s fine! Budgets are meant to be adjusted based on how YOU want them to be. Experiment with saving different amounts, having different goals, and eventually you’ll discover a budget that’s perfect for you.