this wasn't in the plan |but life is still pretty good

People often complain about living on a budget, they treat their budget as some unnatural force that makes it impossible for them spend money how they would like to. If you are not able to spend money as freely as you'd like, it has nothing to do with your budget, but rather your income. But that's not what this post is about.

A budget is all about assigning your money to certain tasks. It's about giving each dollar in your bank account a job. And by all means, if you really enjoy new shoes, do what you can to assign that job to as many of your dollars as you can. There is no rule that says a person who lives on a budget can only spend x amount of money on shoes each month. Set aside the appropriate amount for necessary expenses (as in shelter, food, utilities, and transportation) and divvy out the rest of your dollars as you see fit. Ideally, the job of some of your dollars should be savings - savings for a rainy-day, car repairs, Christmas gifts, or a vacation. Whatever strikes your fancy.

Feeling as if you are in control of your money will help you have a better attitude in regards to your finances (for me at least!). Giving each and every dollar that comes your way a "job" will help you gain or re-gain control.