One word that can change your life:

No, I’m not talking about love, marriage or babies – I’m talking about the ‘B’ word. Yes, that’s right- BUDGET….

I know it's something that everyone should do, but it just makes me feel a little queasy. It doesn’t make it any easier when your partner comes home with a software package that has computerized envelopes that show you the balance of cash for the month. This is a new world for me, how will I survive?!

So, what do I do? I panic, and of course, I agree. I commit myself 100% to stick to the budget, inside I am freaking out a little- but I convince myself that the long term benefits should out way the short term pain. Well, at least that is what I’m telling myself!

Unfortunately the saying that ‘money makes the world go round’ is actually true. But, is money something that can really make you happy? I would say Yes and No. Money provides freedom and freedom definitely can make you happy. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not all about money and I certainly hope I never become like that. I am simply saying, that whatever you have, regardless of how much- if it is managed well and under control, then this will provide you freedom.

Which brings me to my next point, why do we spend more when we make more? It sounds both logical and illogical at the same time. Ask yourself; were you happy with what you had on your previous salary? If the answer is yes, why do we find ourselves wanting more? Is that really part of human nature or is it just pure greed? Instilled in us by the ways of world? After all, we live in a globalised economy where consumerism is ripe. First we find ourselves wanting a new bag, then the bag turns into a car, then the car turns into a house- all of which we buy because we like the look of, we like the feel, we like the ambiance. Sometimes, just sometimes we buy things that we think will make us fit in, conform, impress others and make us feel good. But, the problem with all of this, is generally NONE of it fits into a bloody budget.

So there, the wheel turns around full circle. We start with a good idea, sometimes even a great one. It begins well and the envelopes stay full, until one day we cannot resist the temptation and we dip in- deeper than we have before. We become a statistic of modern day consumerism and boy, does it feel good! That is, until you get the bank statement, load it into the budget software- the envelop turns red and then your husband comes home to see the damage. Just another day in the life of…