FUN is a Budgeting Priority!!!

I don’t care what the internet or older generations say… I was not born to work, pay bills and die. The past 2 years has been a painful, grueling process of undoing the decade’s long rhetoric from my parents and society that I “have to prioritize responsibilities”. Enjoying the abundant life God gave me is as much a responsibility as paying down my student loans.

I thank God for giving me my older brother. His words that one day in 2018 really took root in me. He called me to check on how I was doing (living in another state). My response, “I’m surviving. Trying to take care of my finances just in case…” My brother quickly redirected me and said, “remember Kim, you have to live your life too.” I’ve been fighting to break the chains of future responsibility ever sense.

Understand this...those ellipses represented the real and perceived pressures that I had to succeed to be “the good daughter, sister and friend to my loved ones” when needed. My parents are growing older and nearing retirement. In my mind and heart, I understood that they are my responsibility. As a godmother and sister… I wanted to do everything I could to be stable because life is and was going to happen. I’m sure I am not the only person in the world that has these things on their mind. BUT, as pointed out by my therapist… I became unhealthily fixated on becoming financially stable. Now… I make it a priority to enjoy the life God gave me. Having fun is a top priority and now warrants a spot on my budget line.

So for those of you that held off a trip, spending money on hobbies that bring you joy, stopped “pampering” yourself to ensure you were being “financially responsible”... I ask you this:

1. What hobbies are you giving up?

2. Are you neglecting yourself mentally, physically and/or emotionally?

3. What have you written on your bucket list 5 years ago that you still haven’t gotten to?

If you had an answer for any of these questions… you are not living sis… you’re operating in survival mode. But you don’t have to live like that. I encourage you to budget out your fun expenses. Here are some tips:

1. Set a maximum spending limit on your monthly fun activities (i.e. mani/pedi, travel, eating out, hobbies).

2. Save 5% or a set amount of your monthly income: You can open up a separate checking account or a reloadable card.

3. Automate your savings. If you enjoy out of sight/out of mind banking like me...set up a Direct Deposit.

4. Connect your “fun” plans to another financial goal. For instance, for every $1,000 you pay towards your car note… treat yourself to a facial.

I love budgeting and have been using a template my sister gave me for years. I’ve updated and spruced it up so I could see and manipulate both my debt, savings & monthly budget all at once. Click here to download your own.

Which “Living” Tip Are You Going to Implement? Comment below.