Maybe it's the tax season effect or maybe it's just because I'm working in the real world (aka not just babysitting anymore), but I've been thinking a lot about budgets and budgeting lately.
I know it can be a personal thing to talk about, but this is my personal blog, so I'm going to put it out there: I've never really had much of a budget. I know, I know. It's terrible and something I shouldn't admit. But it worked for me growing up and here's why: I'm not what you would call a spender. I'm a saver. I've never really been a spender. As a kid, I used to love the idea of saving up money and putting it into my bank account (yes, I am a nerd) and only spent money here and there in the summer when I wanted a new toy or computer game.
It's not that I don't like new stuff, though, because I do! I've always loved the idea of buying things, but always back myself out of hitting "purchase" or getting in line at the store. If I got an award, it'd probably go to being the best at window shopping. At any given moment, you'll find tabs open of Etsy products, Pinterest wishlists, and the like on my computer. I'll hit favorite or like, but will never commit to buy.
I just save. And save. And save.
But now that I'm working, I'm earning money and have been doing a little more thinking about spending money. I'm still a very cautious spender, but I also want to spend a little money on myself every now and then. A top from Target, a cute pendant on Etsy, or maybe even a camera bag (still don't have one of those, by the way). I don't want to be reckless and spend all my paycheck, but I also want to spend a little money and invest in myself every now and then--is that weird?
So I'm asking for your help--if you're interested. How do you budget your spending money? Do you have a weekly/monthly/yearly allowance for spending money on yourself? Do you have separate allowances for coffee and clothes? Or do you just save and then splurge every now and then? Do you even budget at all?
I'm seriously interested and want to know what works for you!
I also think this could make for a really good discussion and I welcome your thoughts and I also invite you to comment and read other readers' responses, too!
p.s. I've got my first guest post for the Everyday Moments series lined up and ready to go tomorrow and I'm really only sharing this because I'm so excited! Join me in the excitement, won't ya?