Totally Frugal

Most of us have learned along life's journey that we must have a
budget in place to succeed in our financial goals. And it is true
that using your budget as a tool will make it easier.

But, what happens if budgeting has become a real drag for you? Will
it prevent you having money for those things you need and want?

It can. Let me share *Lisha's* challenge with you. (Not her real
name.)

Lisha didn't like budgeting. As a matter of fact, she hated
budgeting -- and anything to do with it. Like many who struggle to
budget, she had made up her mind there would be no more budgets. Her
on-again, off-again affair with budgets left her feeling stressed --
and slightly depressed.

I spent some time with Lisha. And then it clicked -- she began to
realize that a budget is not a *law*. It's simply one of many tools
available -- for someone who chooses to use it. If the fear of
budgeting actually prevents a person from saving any money at all,
then there's a real problem.

Lisha chose to remove her stumbling block that day. She allowed her
mind to open up. Other tools began to catch her attention. These
alternative tools now represent freedom for Lisha. No more drag on
her energy!

Can you relate?

Once you acknowledge a challenge -- any challenge -- it frees you up
to discover alternatives.

Have you ever noticed that, once you've made a decision about
something, you begin to notice things that were there all along? But
you couldn't see them, because there was something blocking your
view.

Now you see new ideas everywhere, at every turn. Even when you try
to get some sleep, these ideas will track you down. They surround
you.

Reach out and pluck them. They're yours for the taking.

We each want to do better with our money. We want to be able to save
more, too. But sometimes we associate the word *budget* with *giving
up everything.*

And we're not alone in this view.

I mean, how many people do you know who get really excited about
doing a budget? Do your friends hold budget parties? No, probably
not. Mine don't, either.

The truth is, some do a budget even though they may not enjoy it.
Some don't, because the thought alone is just too painful and
restrictive for them.

Is your ultimate goal to do a budget?

Or is your *true* goal to have money for the things you need and
want?

See the difference?

If the more popular money methods worked for everyone, each person
on the planet would keep a budget. There would be no debt (and much
less spending) because we'd all be operating under the influence of
the budget (smile).

So, allow yourself to unearth something new. A strategy or method
that excites you. Choose a money method that is respectful in
meeting your needs.

And the next time you hear the *budget* word, straighten your
shoulders, hold your head high, and remember your true goal.

Is it to *budget?*

Or is it to have the money you need and want?

Darlene Arechederra is the creator of the Stay-at-Home Bootcamp --
for women of two-income households who'd love to return home to
their children. Women interested in finding their way back home are
invited to take the FREE Quiz today at
http://AffordToStayHome.com/quiz.html Or, join her free, money-
saving ezine at http://RatRaceRemedies.com