Earlier this week I spent my morning before work budgeting. Yes, budgeting. Typically I try to write or read during that time, but I chose to write out an itemized list of expenses. “Woah, that sounds like too much fun!” you might be thinking; who would have thought I would get so excited about realizing I have enough in my budget to buy a gym membership?! Huzzah!
I’ve always been a financially conscious (all I can think of after saying that is the “fiscally responsible” Kmart commercial) person and saver, especially since I grew up in a house where money was always mismanaged and lacking. I even started working as soon as I legally could in high school so that I could be more independent financially.
Over the last year especially I have really buckled down. I have started breaking down my purchases into categories and using a budget sheet and monthly spending sheet. Confession: I am a list-maker. I make lists for everything; check-lists, to do lists, shopping lists, packing lists, you name it. Of course tracking where my money needs to go and how much I have is another list I make. I’ve stepped up my list-making and budgeting this past year especially; last year I budgeted well enough that I had all of my Christmas shopping done by Thanksgiving. Plus, I wasn’t broke or in debt because of it. I know, I know, I’m sure there are plenty of people that do that, but how many were college-aged? (Just let me have my moment of pride please).
I think it is important to save and be aware of how much money you have to spend. Those numbers let you have a solid idea how much money you’ll have left for “luxury” items and fun stuff. Personally, I love exact numbers because then I don’t feel like I’m just looking ahead into the void of the unknown. Will I have enough money? Oh, a bill came and I don’t have enough to cover it because I spent my money already. When that bill comes, the person expecting the money will not be interested in an excuse that the money is already gone because of this expense or that expense. They just want their money.
I did some research before deciding on a specific budgeting style (yes, there are multiple ways to categorize your budget!). I’ve read some articles and there are some people out there raising families of six on less than $28,000 a year. If those people can make that work, I can definitely make my income work for one person.
All this being said, I feel like this is one of the “adult things” that make us realize we can’t be financially irresponsible teenagers anymore. Whimsy and spontaneity are fun, but if you need a place to live, that reality of bills and rent will catch up to you at least once a month. Some people might even find budgeting attractive, because it means you have your shit together and could potentially support someone besides yourself.
I read an article in Chicago’s RedEye about a dating site called datemycreditscore.com where you can list your credit score on your online dating profile. The site is described in the article as “whoever you meet there will be financially responsible—or at least skilled at playing the labyrinthine long game that is credit scoring.” The site doesn’t seem to be hugely successful according to the article, but it does seem like a different approach to dating, especially since it has seemed like excessive purchases and overspending have been such popular messages to society before.
So, fellow “adults”, childhood might be over, but the joy and adventure that go with it don’t have to be over; you just have to be smart about your money. I recently came across a quote that instantly reminded me of my grandpa, a financially responsible man who was also the biggest kid I know. I’ll leave you with the quote:
“A child-like man is not a man whose development has been arrested; on the contrary, he is a man who has given himself a chance of continuing to develop long after most adults have muffled themselves in the cocoon of middle-aged habit and convention.”
-Aldous Huxley
That's Just The Way It Is 