The Reality Of A Budget!
I smiled a big smile when I saw this poster on Pinterest the other day, thinking thank goodness I'm not the only one who has had this thought!
When I've been busy "investing" in my house, working on a room or multiple rooms, my clothing budget has seen big cutbacks. And on the other hand, when I've had to restock the wardrobe, there have been freezes in the home improvement department. It's real and keeps my family's budget on track...really so important, particularly these days. I definitely believe it's wise to live within your means, avoid the credit card trap and to treat savings as another "expense" you account for on a monthly basis.(The current national savings rate is a mere 3.8 percent, and that just isn't going to do it in the long run!)
Here's to knowing our limits and being just fine with them. It's a rare person who can have it all, all the time...and to think otherwise sets us up for all kinds of issues. IMO.
28 comments:
Amen to that! My summer wardrobe took a backseat to a new sofa for the family.
Amen sister!
True true!
So true! Love your post! Made me laugh and glad that it is not just me that has to do this!
Thank you so much for this reminder. People really need to remember to pay themselves first otherwise when they are old they will end up with a lot of useless junk and no ability to care for themselves. Only buying what you love and thinking before spending certainly helps, but one should put money away in savings first. I just attended a workshop yesterday on the 7 pearls of financial wisdom. It's a balance between savings and being overly frugal. I love your blog and blogs that promote repurposing things and making the most of what you have! Great job!!!
This post is so true! I don't own a house yet, but it's just the same saving up for expenses like that! There are so many clothes I need right now (want?) and I haven't gotten them because of other priorities!
We live by these theories as well. Savings is an expense. Saving up for things just seems to rarely happen anymore, so many people must have things "now".
Sometimes, when we think we might want something we remind ourselves, we have more than we will ever need.
I just had a big purging garage sale, good reminder not to bring anything else home. Moving helps with that as well :)
janell - such good advice once again! isnt it so easy to get caught up in a project and pour more money into it without thinking? i keep saying, ok, next month I'm going to pay off this or that, and it keeps getting pushed. that's why we are always trying to get the same look through DIYs i guess. great point to ponder!
janell - such good advice once again! isnt it so easy to get caught up in a project and pour more money into it without thinking? i keep saying, ok, next month I'm going to pay off this or that, and it keeps getting pushed. that's why we are always trying to get the same look through DIYs i guess. great point to ponder!
Great advice, Janell!
So wonderful to hear a leader in blogging and design speak these simple financial truths. To hear that YOU are a saver and YOU stay within a budget surely has to have an impact on someone trying to keep up appearances.
I just wanted to echo what Elizabeth said. It is so refreshing to hear a respected home decor blogger comment on staying within a budget and keep credit card debt to a limit! It's so important!
Couldn't agree more. I grew up with parents who never said, "We can't afford that." Instead they said, "We are choosing not to buy that." It stuck with me and have always stuck to a budget. Makes me appreciate when I do decide to splurge here and there just a tiny bit. Great post.
lol, my hubby got me a wine glass that has that saying.
Great attitude. I agree!
Totally agree! I am very much a saver myself. So, between new clothes and new furniture/ home accessories, the latter definitely comes first! :)
Have a good day!
Jessie
www.mixandchic.com
I think it makes you think more about your purchases. Instead of just buying something just because, with a budget you want the best of what you can afford and are willing to save until you find a deal that is just perfect in every way.
Heather,
Oh NOW THAT IS FUNNY!!! Do you have to drink budget wine out of it? :)
Janell
That's hilarious. Good saving advice. I keep trying to pay myself first but it's pretty hard when living from paycheck to paycheck. I do always spend less than we earn though, and that's a start in the right direction. And I started sewing, which means I do actually get new clothes for cheaper than buying them. :) Sewing is especially awesome to keep my 3 year old clothed in non crazy elmo/dora/sassy outfits. :)
My sweet six year old just looked over my shoulder to look at this post and said, "Yes you can - you just need to have no kids!"
So true, my sweet pea, but where is the fun in that?!
Well said, as usual, Janell!! It's similar to the other saying, "Your ass and face can't both look good." If your skinny, your butt looks good but your face is gaunt and older, if you're a little thicker, your face fills out beautifully but your butt is big!! ;)
This is 100% truth! My poor wardrobe hasn't seen a facelift in...I'm embarrassed to say! Amen to living within your means!
I LOVE IT!! Well said!!! I'm glad I'm not the only one who has to choose!
Lots of Love
Ashli
I have not purchased any new summer clothes. I need to. Just doesn't seem important right now. It really is hard to find the money to juggle buying stuff for the home or stuff for ourselves. ( I usually spoil my 2 yr. old gradaughter with way to many cute outfits)!!! Guess we all should win the lottery!!Ha!
My drandaughter loves all the silly Dora and Elmo outfits. There only kids for once!!
gospel truth, girlfriend. gospel truth.
... we need a support group...
- {darlene} @ fieldstonehilldesign
Bravo!!! I so agree and this is how it works in my life too. I am itching for a new sofa for my family room, but this year is a travel year so it will have to wait for another year. One big thing at a time!! xo kathysue
Love this - and I completely agree. My budget seems to seesaw between clothes and home!
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