I’ve conducted a few Ramsey Financial Peace University classes and one of the most
interesting perspectives is learning the perfectly acceptable financial roles of nerd and free spirit. In most, but not all, relationships there is one that is the nerd and one that is the free spirit.
Oh, and by the way, this message is combining the lane messages of Personal Growth and Personal Financial Leadership into one message. Part of that is setting up for a bigger change for 2024 where Kris and I will be conducting Dock Time Podcast discussions in place of these lane messages. We felt that it was time for change. We are using January as a transition period. If you have subjects or questions that you would like us to address - pass them on (to someone who cares, maybe we will - 🙂care and discuss them, and have a little FUN)!
Back to the “Budget” question - some of you hate the idea of having a budget, and others of you love the idea. Budget - You don’t have to ……but it can keep you out of troubles. So what is the difference?
Consider any business - small or large….should the parties that have the responsibility for spending have some guidelines as to what is acceptable and what is not acceptable? Of course, there should be some understanding of what is acceptable and what is not. That’s very close to your own household budget, granted it is on a much smaller scale. However, depending upon the individuals, and how they were raised. I call that the HERE method that influences not only spending habits, but also our behaviors in general. HERE involves heredity, environment, role models and experiences. All of these factors add up to how we initially may approach and spend money And in our terminology - it’s within your Circle of Control. You control your budget. Some take this as a budget is a limit to what you can spend. Is it? Or is it your own guideline of what you can spend compared to what income you bring in to spend it on? It’s your definition and perspective.
Of course, you can choose to spend more than your income…….and I have done that before as well. But that only works from a limited viewpoint. Sooner or later, there will be bigger problems. And yet, all completely solvable. Again, even that is within your circle of control. Let me know if you want to start a conversation. If we can’t get on the same page, you can go back to doing it your way.