I have experienced that many times. Money enters your hand and the next thing it is gone without you accomplishing something reasonable.
It hurts badly because money is one of the substances that is very difficult to earn. Watching it go without having it solve some of the basic things that we beat our bodies for is not funny.
Unfortunately, that kind of lifestyle is like a cycle for many. Not that they don't earn. Year in, year out, money comes in but they can't tell specifically what they are doing with it.
This is why I believe sometimes it is not even about earning much, if we can't manage the little we have by properly using it, I am afraid even if all the money in the world is given to us, it might not be enough.
Budgeting is something I am struggling with personally, if I say I plan all my expenses, I am a big lair.
In fact, this year, I can only remember a few moments when I did that, and it was because the project was crucial and If I didn't write what I need down and make it a priority, I might not achieve it.
And guess what? I followed that plan and achieved everything on the list. Budgeting is powerful. It is a form of financial discipline that helps us to track our spending and to also channel our resources to the right places
Unfortunately, most people including myself are taking it for granted. With budgeting, it doesn't matter how little or high you earn, you will be able to purchase your needs and settle bills.
Some people think it makes us stingy but that's not true, rather it reduces excesses and helps us to be disciplined with money which fosters growth.
Creating a personal budget isn't difficult. For me, I make a list of the most important things I need; light bill, food, clothes, savings and emergency funds.
Then I calculate what I earn, and divide the money accordingly. Whenever my salary comes or I make any money, I channel it to those things.
Even if the money is in my account, it is already tagged for its purpose and I don't tamper with it and I ensure it is that purpose that I use it for and if the money for any of the above finishes, unless it is crucial I don't take money meant for something else to tackle it.
With that list, any other thing becomes irrelevant, even if I desire it. What is on my list is what would be attended to and it's final.
That was the method I used to achieve that project I spoke about earlier on. Those days, I avoided excesses. I know what I have ahead of me, so any money coming in is not for fun.
Don't get me wrong, I don't starve myself, I give my belly what it deserves but not everything. The goal is to keep surviving and living well without being stranded.
Of the truth, Budgeting pays, but it is not easy to stick to. This prompt really challenged me, I will revive that habit of budgeting with immediate effect.
N.B: All Images Were Generated By Gemini AI