Keeping within my budget

Thank you for all of your comments on my post about feeling guilty about spending.

I do realize that I can change my budget to reflect my current spending patterns, and I also realize that I’m able to save a lot of money each month … but I guess the fact that I USED to be able to stick within a tight budget makes me believe that I can do it again. Of course, circumstances have changed. I no longer HAVE to live within a tight budget, so psychologically if I spend more than my budget indicates, I know there won’t be any harsh repercussions except not being able to save as much in that particular month. Whereas before, if I didn’t stay within my budget, my debt would just keep growing.

Since my Travel Fund and RRSPs are automatically deducted out of my account, I know I’m on target to hit my savings goals … so I shouldn’t stress if I spend a little more money than I’ve budgeted, right?

Still, I don’t want to change my budget to incorporate more spending. Then if I start going over the new budget, I’d just change it again. I know myself, and I can’t let that happen. Since I don’t have many bills and pay minimal rent, I really should be able to stick to a monthly budget of under $1,000.

I don’t think that I’ll ever really get over the guilty feeling about buying things outside of my budget when I could save that money instead. And I think that whenever I feel that way, I should remember how much I’m saving as well, and that I shouldn’t be so hard on myself. Because if I don’t enjoy the things that I’ve bought with my hard-earned money, then I’m not getting the most value for my money (cost per use) – and I just won’t stand for that. :)