Consistency

Over the past two years, my husband and I have been using a budget written for the calendar month.  That worked quite well when my previous job paid me only once a month. My husband has always been paid bi-weekly and twice a year he had an “extra” check.  I’ve heard advice from several people about using the “extra” check for things other than regular bills.  I’ve struggled with wrapping my head around how to use a zero-based budget consistently in this particular situation.  We had once used a 4-week zero-based budget but, it requires a lot of planning.  Now that I’m paid weekly, we are back again to a 4-week zero-based budget. It has taken some time to plan the transition. However, we are looking forward to having some consistency in our spending, especially in groceries.  Even though I’ve been nicknamed the “budget queen”, I still work hard to ensure that the needs of my family are adequately covered.  I remind myself that budgets must be changed as your work situation fluctuates, as your needs change, and when you discover new personal financial goals. Be flexible in your planning but, be consistent in your actions!