Budget Bootcamp: Intro and Getting Set For Success!

While we aren't truly starting this series quite yet, there are a few tidbits I wanted to share with you now to set us up for the best success.  I am THRILLED that so many of you have expressed interest in following along, and there is still time to join if you'd like to do so! We will be using the posts here on the blog for the majority of the content, and our closed Facebook group for a place to communicate with one another as we go. Today, I want to cover some basics and create a solid foundation to work from over the course of this series. When it comes to budgets, it's important to recognize that what works for one person, might not be another person's cup of tea. And that is A-OKAY. Throughout the course of this program I'll be sharing different templates, resources, and styles so that you can pick what suits you best. Our private Facebook group is a great place to ask questions, share other ideas you've seen in the past, encourage and support one another. If you haven't been added to this page yet, please drop me a comment below so I can do so for you!

So let's get started. Here's three basic areas we need to cover before diving in.

What is a budget?
You've heard that word, and you've most likely used it a few times yourself. But really, what does having a budget mean? A budget, in the simplest terms possible, means balancing your expenses in relation to your income, and knowing where your money is going. Creating a budget doesn't have to be overly complicated. The goal here is to be aware of where our paychecks get used or saved each month, and make sure what is spent is spent intentionally and responsibly.

Why do I need one?
Think about a CEO or founder of a company. Big company, small company... doesn't matter. Do you think they have to know where the money is going? Without a budget to show where they are spending money and where they are earning it, they wouldn't be in business very long. Same for you and your household. You are the CEO of your family, and if you are spending more than you are making, that's a slippery slope. By being more mindful of where we spend our money and how much we are putting into savings, we better prepare ourselves for the future. Want to take a fabulous family vacation? Want to buy or build your dream home? Want to pay off debt or save for retirement? All those things are much more attainable with a budget.

Where do I even start?
My goal is to provide you with the knowledge, tips, tools, resources, and inspiration you need to successfully maintain your budget in 2017 and beyond. I've had so many people tell me that they REALLY need or want to budget, yet they have no idea where to begin. By breaking things down into small, manageable concepts and tasks, we will work together to make a realistic budget, custom to YOU or your household, and give you the confidence you need to stay on top of it. Each of us is uniquely different. Our goals, needs, wants, incomes and expenses are different. So with that said, the more personal you make your budget, the more realistic it will be and the more benefits you will experience.


So are you ready?? Beginning January 1st, I want you to get and KEEP every.single.receipt for every purchase you make this month. Find a mason jar, envelope, basket... some sort of place to keep them. All of them. If you have a spouse or other member of your household who's spending impacts your budget, those receipts are important too! Put all your receipts in the vessel of your choice and just leave them there. We will deal with them later, but for now, just start collecting :)