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7 Simple Ways To Get Your Budget Back On Track (for good this time!)

April 20, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

How to fix a broken budget.

Struggling with a broken budget???  We have all been there, and I’ve definitely been there more times then I would like to admit!  It might have happened because we gave into spending temptations to many times, or perhaps we let lifestyle creep sneak in.  Or, there could have been a lot of unexpected expenses arise.  There are so many reasons why we go over budget, it happens to everyone!  Going over budget is normal, not great, but normal….but only if it happens occasionally.  If you are looking for ways to fix a broken budget, I’ve got you covered!  Keep reading for 7 simple ways to get your budget back on track (for good this time!).

how to get your budget back on track - how to fix a broken budget

How To Get Your Budget Back On Track

It is possible to fix a broken budget!  Follow the steps below to get your budget back on track once and for all!

1.  Stop Unnecessary Spending

The first step you need to take to get your budget back on track is to put a pause on all unnecessary spending.  This doesn’t mean you cant pay your bills or buy food.  It means that you will only spend money on things that are necessary for living.  But, things like entertainment. going out to eat, home decor, etc. should be completely stopped.

There are so many ways to enjoy life, without having to spend money.  Try a few new easy recipes at home, enjoy some at home date nights, and be creative about finding things for free!

  • Related:  How to Have a Successful No Spend Month

2.  Track Your Spending

If you aren’t already tracking your spending, now is the time to start!  Tracking your spending is one of the most important (but easily skipped) steps to fixing a broken budget.  Writing down every purchase that you make will hold you accountable to your purchases, making it much less likely for you to impulse shop.  

I recommend taking time every single day to write down what you bought that day.  Then compare your purchases to your budget to make sure you are staying within your goals.

3.  Use Cash Envelopes

Anything thing that really helps me fix a broken budget is to start using cash envelopes.  The cash envelope system is really fairly easy to use!

First, look through your budget to determine the amount of cash you have left to spend for the rest of the month.

Next, you will need to go to the bank and take out that exact amount of cash out of the bank.  Divide the cash into different envelope categories.  Once your envelope is empty, you literally can not buy anything else (no cheating!).  I explain more about how cash envelopes here.

And, yes, you CAN use cash envelopes for online purchases!  I explain exactly how to do so in the video below!

 

4.  Give Yourself A Reward

I’ll let you in on a little secret about me…..I love to reward myself!  It motivates me to work hard and reach my goal.  Whenever I start struggling with my budget, I set up a reward system to help me stay focused on my money goals.

Choose your reward by thinking of something fun, but frugal, that you would enjoy getting.  I love to reward myself with a treat from my favorite pastry shop or by buying myself a new small piece of jewelry.

Set up your reward system in a way that will help you get back on track with your budget.  For example, if you go 10 days without splurging on any unnecessary spending, then you can treat yourself to your small reward.

5.  Return Recent Purchases You Don’t Need

Do you have any recent purchases that you regret buying?  Or perhaps that you don’t regret, but know deep down it wasn’t the best decision to buy?  Return these items to the store ASAP!  This is the quickest and easiest way to fix a broken budget caused by impulse spending.

6.  Sell Clutter In Your Home

Another option for getting more money back in your pocket is to sell clutter around your house that you don’t need or use!  My rule of thumb is that if I haven’t touched it for a few months, it needs to go!

Use the money you earn from selling your clutter to get your budget back on track, don’t spend it on something frivolous, put it to use in a budget category that needs it.

  • Related:  10 Household Items To Sell For Quick Cash  

7.  Use An Accountability Partner

One of the best ways to get back on track with your budget is to find an accountability partner to help you reach your goals.  An accountability partner could be your spouse, a friend or everything in between.  Ask the person you choose if they will help hold you accountable to your money goals.  Share with them your desire to fix your budget and what you need to do to get there.

As you go about your day to day routine, make sure to check in with your accountability partner regularly.  Make sure to always call this person to help you when you get the urge to spend, they can talk you through your spending choices to help you make the one that will help your budget best!

8.  Focus On Your Goals

The most important things to remember is to stay focused on your goals.  Set a goal of where you want your budget to be, write it down and then hang it up somewhere so that you can see it regularly.  A bathroom mirror or phone lock screen are great options for this!

When you stay focused on your BIG goals, it’s easier to say “no” to the temptations that come along.

You Got This!

Please don’t beat yourself up for getting off of your budget.  Like I mentioned earlier, it DOES happen, and there IS hope for fixing it.  The fact that you are reading this article shows me that you want to stick to your budget and make it work.  

I know that through a little bit of work, some sacrifice and following these steps you can fix your broken budget!

 

Related Articles:

How To Find Extra Money In Your Budget

How to Make a Zero Based Budget

How To Stop Living Paycheck To Paycheck In 6 Steps

 

Pin this Article For Future Reference:

fix a broken budget - getting a budget back on track

Follow these simple steps to get your budget back on track, for good!

How to Make Tissue Paper Pom Poms

September 9, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Life4 Comments

Easy Tissue Paper Pom Pom Tutorial.

Have you ever wondered how to make tissue paper pom poms?  I LOVE to make them!  They are one of the easiest, cheapest DIY decoration around.  I have made some for my daughters rooms, and they are always a staple at all my kids birthday parties. 

A lot of stores sell pre-made pom poms, that just need to be fluffed up, but I’m telling you…..those are not worth the money.  You can easily make them yourself for a much cheaper price!  I promise you can even do it if you are NOT a crafter, these are that easy!

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Supplies for Tissue Paper Pom Poms

You only need a few supplies to start making tissue paper pom poms.

  • 6 sheets of tissue paper.  You can use more tissue paper if you want to, the more sheets you use the fluffier your pom-pom will be.
  • String
  • Scissors

And that’s it!!  Make sure to check your local Dollar Tree for great prices on tissue paper.

How to Make Tissue Paper Pom Poms

First, unfold your tissue paper and layer each of the sheets on top of each other.  Smooth it out and make sure all of the sides are even with each other.  This doesn’t need to be perfect, just do the best you can!

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Starting at the shorter end fold the tissue paper (all sheets together) accordion style.  Your finished product should look similar to the pictures below.

  • Related:  How to Make Your Very Own Pom-Pom Garland

Take some string, (I just used thread because it’s what I had) and tie a knot in the middle of the folded tissue paper.  Leave a long piece of string, this is what you will use to hang your pom-pom with.


Now, snip two small cuts on both ends of the tissue paper.  This is what gives the flowery shape to the pom-pom.  This is not a necessary step!  There have been plenty of times I’ve forgotten to do it, and they still turned out super cute!


You are almost finished! 

Now, gently separate each sheet of tissue paper from each other.  This will fluff out the pom-pom.  Fluff one side of the pom-pom and then the other side.

The tissue paper might begin to tear during this step.  Try to go slowly, so if you do notice a tear you can stop it before it gets bigger.  The rips usually blend into the pom-pom, but they still aren’t fun to get.


Adjust the fluffs until you get it just right, and you are done!  It only takes about 10 minutes to make your own tissue paper pom-pom!  Quick and easy at it’s best!

I used these pom-poms for my daughters Pancake and Pajamas birthday party.  It’s such a fun, cheap decoration.  My favorite part of making these pom-poms are that their are so many fun and beautiful colors to choose from.  The look can be very different depending on the colors that you choose.


 

Make sure to check out my video below for another tissue paper pom-pom tutorial!

 

 

Related Articles:

How to Make a Rice Bag Heating Pad

DIY Trick or Treat Bag Tutorial

 

Pin For Later:

homemade pom poms birthday decoration

tissue paper pom pom tutorial - easy DIY party decorations

I hope you love these DIY tissue paper pom-poms!

Hello! I’m Melanie!

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