How To Make Your Budget Inspiring (instead of depressing)

A LOT of us don’t like the word “budget”. It’s easy to see why. After all, you’re making a plan to cut expenses and spend less money, right? How much fun could that be? I know that I’ve struggled with the idea of a budget, and my clients have told me the same thing. How can something so restrictive be anything but a bummer?

But today, I’m going to show you why a budget doesn’t have to be a bummer. In fact, a budget can actually be inspiring! 

But before we do that, let’s talk about what a budget really is. A budget is simply money management. It’s managing your resources to support the life that you want. It’s a way to track your spending habits, and shift them as needed to support the life that you want.

It’s important to set up a budget so you can not only track your spending habits, but also show you where to cut back and where to increase spending. It also shows you how much money you need to bring in to create the life you want.

Now, what ideas you currently have about budgeting?

My brother once asked if creating a budget was supposed to make you depressed. And honestly, that’s a good question! But feeling this way about a budget is a pretty normal thing, especially if you’ve been avoiding your finances for too long, or living beyond your means.

As for both of those things, I’ve been there myself and I know how it feels! So if you hate the idea of making a budget, you’re not alone.

But if you know that making a budget is actually the way to the financial life you desire, the key is to NOT let yourself get depressed over budgeting.

I know, it sounds a LOT easier said than done! But what if I told you that you can make a budget not only without getting depressed, but also your budget can be a source of inspiration?

That might sound ridiculous. But trust me, you CAN do it. I’ll show you how right here!

Here’s how to make a budget and get inspired instead of depressed…

Step 1. How do you FEEL about budgeting?

Before you create your budget, it’s time to look inward. That is, pay attention to how you feel about creating a budget. Do you feel excited and inspired, fearful and depressed, defeated before you start? All these things at once? Something else entirely?

Feel what you feel. Become really aware of what comes up for you. Then, take responsibility for your feelings. What does this mean?

It means to observe these feelings, whatever they are, and simply watch them. Don’t judge them, just let them be. And then, release those feelings that no longer serve you.

Know that there is no shame or blame in the budgeting. Just awareness. Notice how you feel, but don’t hang onto those feelings, especially if they don’t help you move forward.

Step 2. Determine where you are now with your current budget (and don’t let the numbers judge you!)

You can’t get to where you want to be until you know where you are NOW. Then you can either learn from your mistakes or keep doing what IS working. So start here, and take an honest look at your numbers. Look at your current budget, cash flow, expenses, etc. and get a picture of where you stand today.

NOW, this is the most important thing to remember about your numbers…

When you’re looking at your numbers (bank account, income, credit card statements, etc), remember that they are feedback and not judgment.

This can be a challenging one, but it’s important to know. Sometimes we all attach feelings and judgements to the numbers. If you do too, you’re not alone! But here is the good news about those feelings that pop up when you look at your bank account…

You feel however you feel about something. But you ALSO have the power to release or change those feelings.

So, just like we did in Step 1, recognize the feelings that might come up. Don’t judge them, just notice. Then make a choice to either release or change the feelings that arise.

These are the most challenging steps, and this is why I’m putting them first. But don’t worry–this is as deep as we’ll go! Because once you know your current budget and cash flow, we can get to the FUN part.

So once you’ve set your budget based on where you are now and you’ve let go of the feelings that don’t serve you, let’s move on to Step 3.

Step 3. Create your DREAM Budget!

What do I mean by this?

Here’s the deal–a budget isn’t meant to restrict you. It’s meant to inspire you!

This is because a budget is a framework for calling in what you want the most into reality. It’s a space where you can set intentions and take action to create the life you really want.

So in Step 3, turn your budget into a WISH LIST.

That is, simply list out all the things you want to buy this year, and put a price next to it.

It doesn’t matter how big or how small. I’ve made lists like this before and they’ve included things from $20 to $2500–and everything in between (and even beyond). This is your space to dream big, your financial vision board. Let yourself feel into the excitement and raise that money vibration.

Then, once you have your list, add up all the totals. Compare the total of how much you want to spend to how much you have in your budget for the year, and make a plan to close the gap.

Remember, this is the time to get excited and inspired!

But now you might be asking, what happens if the space between where I am and where I want to be is so big that I’m depressed all over again?

It’s a great question, and here’s what I’d say…

Just like in the first two steps, allow yourself to feel how you feel. But remember, you can release those feelings if they’re not serving you. Don’t judge, just observe. And then use tools like meditation, mantras, and even simply bringing movement into the picture to shift your energy.

Remember, you’re setting intentions here. And you’re learning to shift your thoughts and feelings around money. So take it one step at a time, and use every moment as an opportunity to create new thoughts, and upgrade your relationship with money.

So remember, this is how you use your budget as a VISION and not a prison. Start here and watch what happens.

Now, what do you think? How do you feel about budgeting, and do these steps resonate with you? I’d love to know!

Leave your comments below…

Until next time,

Love, light, and MONEY, honey…

Kaylee