Preparing a budget is hard. Sticking to it can be even harder. Even with the best of intentions, it is hard when you plan for a $100 gas bill and it comes in at $179 like mine just did. Anyone else with budget problems?

I use an Excel Spreadsheet myself. Pretty much stays the same except CC Amount (payoff every month, I am Deadbeat)

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I have to admit, my budget has always looked GREAT on paper - but in "real life"........something happens.

Got to watch it more carefully and do things better.

Maybe start actually going to the ATM and getting out cash. Put certain amounts in envelopes marked: Gas, Food, Eating out, etc and when it is gone - that's it.

I just hate to carry cash...

Mine looks great on paper and in excel, but I always seemed to be dipping into my savings every month.
I tried the ATM thing for cash, but I had to slap my own hand because I ended up taking out "extra" lol just in case and end up wasting the money. I must say I've gotten MUCH better recently though and last month I actually didn't touch my "savings" at all. I almost had a party :-)
The lower gas prices DEFINITELY help, instead of $60 to fill my tank it's only about $20 now.

Dataman, how do you keep your costs consistent every month? That's terrific!!!

I do my budget on an Excel Spreadsheet and give myself an allowance for cash each week. (can't and shouldn't charge everything) If I am charging I use my Debit card rather than my Credit card and use it as a credit and not debit so as not to acquire any fees. This way it is actually coming out of my checking (just remember to record it) Works for me.

Do you keep your allowance the same every week? When my daughter was opening her bank account I remember the rep telling us why using the card as credit was better than debit, I just couldn't remember why.
I think for me, it was getting out of the "ease" of using my debit card when I didn't have the cash on hand. When the "budget" became tight, I finally started looking at it differently. Now, if I could just teach my daughter, we would be good. She has found out that all fast food restaurants take debit cards and that she can use her debit card to buy a soda at the store...oh the horrors...lol...

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I always made sure to spend money that I did have and so far it has worked. Also yes I still live with my parents (it helps me save money but it is costing me my soul and my sanity) but when I will live on my own I will make sure to end up in a place with a low rent with electricity and everything else is included in the rent so there will be no surprises. Also some of my savings will be set aside so if there are any emergencies then I will have money for it.