Proverbs 21:5

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Proverbs 27:23

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20 Reasons to Budget (6-10)

20 Reasons to Budget (6-10)

If you missed the first 5 click here

Reason 6: Back to the Future

Planning for the future and worrying about the future are two completely different things. Worrying will leave you stressed and sick (and actually further behind on actually doing something). If you want the future to change, you have to start with the present. So think about college plans for kids, their weddings, those flat tires, or even sickness. While you can't change the future, you can have a plan for tough times.

Reason 7: Pay it off - faster

If you have credit cards or loans that you need to pay off, the only way to get them out of the way is to have an action plan. Have you ever seen - or maybe experienced - a sports team that should have blown out a no-name team? Instead of winning they obviously weren't ready and were surprised. Here were a few I thought of: Appalachian State, USA Basketball, Patriots Lose Super Bowl, and Tyson's Loss. The most painful loss for me was the OU to Boise State game (shown above). Don't let the Statue of Liberty catch you off your feet - in life that is. Make a plan - and don't be caught without a goal.   

Reason 8: Buy stuff you want

Let's be honest, The reason you make money is not to save it all. Let's have some fun with our savings, huh? A budget allows you to see how much you can honestly spend without driving yourself into the ground. So don't punch yourself in the face for that next purchase... just wait, save up, and then spend. Have some fun with your budget.

Reason 9: Tell you kids "no" and have a reason

"It's not in the budget". Say no. You don't want to raise a child that gets everything he or she wants. In life, someone is going to tell them no. They will work in a job where the boss tells them no. They will be turned down for a college or interview. Kids must learn that no is a valid answer. Kids really respond well to explanations. So mentioning your budget is an explanation. This is also a great time to have a teachable moment for kids and teach them what they need to do.

Reason 10: Because the Bible "Tells Me So"

Luke 14:28-30  "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish'?"
Proverbs 27:23    "Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds."
1 Timothy 5:8       "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
Proverbs 21:5 "The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty."


I want hear your successes or failures with trying to budget. Leave a comment with some stories you might have. Nothing is too small to share.

5 more reasons coming soon!

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20 Reasons to Start a Budget (1-5)

20 Reasons to Start a Budget

Have you ever sat across from your spouse in dead silence because you knew she was upset about money? You know, you made that purchase. She told you no - and now it's tornado season in your living room?

Or maybe you just keep wondering where the money's going. It feels like you got holes in your pockets.

Well there is a solution. It's simple. For the number nerds of the world, its a blast. 

For everyone else, its bearable. Over the next week I wanted to give some reasons why everyone should make a budget and stay with it. So if you are having a hard time getting motivated... here is a free pdf from Dave Ramsey and here are the first five reasons why you should budget:

Reason 1: Show me the money!

You need to see that money. You need to see the amounts leaving the bank that month and know where it's going. There is no Bermuda Triangle situated in your purse or wallet, but many of those small monthly charges, membership fees, snack runs - they add up to hundreds of dollars. So don't wait for the alerts from the bank that tell you money is leaving  - use a budget to see where it's going. 

Reason 2: To say hello not goodbye

Simple math can go a long way. Here's how it works - basically. You want more money in the bank than money leaving the bank. The only way you can manage that is with a budget. So say hello to your cash and stop sending it off in sad farewell parties.

Reason 3: Actually have some money to save

Once you accomplish Reason 2 - You want to start saving it. Honestly, if you don't save it then a new toy will entice you. You will buy that sucker and not be prepared for disaster. Saving some money will help you put some away for a rainy day. So build your umbrella - and occasionally play in the rain. Budget to save and occasionally spend.

Reason 4: Because it's easier than getting a tooth pulled

When I was a kid - I remember when I got my tooth tied to the doorknob. I felt so horrified at the prospect of this painful, unexpected experience. There was a fear that was looming over me. As I heard the "SLAM" and looked up I noticed my tooth was gone. I was going to score some money under the pillow. Well it's budget time - and it'll only be a small pain with a bigger reward. It may seem scary because you've never done it. You may think that it will ruin the stuff you do now, but the truth is its really scary to live paycheck to paycheck without a budget.

Reason 5: Because rich people do it (or pay someone to do it)

Rich people have portfolios and associates that all tell them where their money is going. They plan for investments. They forecast hard times and plan accordingly. HELLO - your money is like your mini-business. Run that punk like a business. Have some goals, investments, and plans. Sit down and make it work.

Next 5 reasons (6-10)!

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