Budget Adjusting

 

    Once you have your estimated budget, you are able to see more clearly how you spend the money God has given you.  You are able to see if you are overspending or saving.  You have a visual on the areas that need to be adjusted in your life.  However, the estimated budget is not perfect.  Every month it will need to be tweaked for life happening.

    Adjusting your budget every month for life is more like balancing your budget, like balancing your check book.  Look at the budget you created for your household and take money from some areas to put them in other areas like are maintenance this month.  If you just need to spend less, then go category by category asking yourself "do I ready need this" and "can I get this cheaper somewhere else".  

    Adjusting your budget can be simple, but sometimes it can be very difficult.  Sometimes reducing your spending is not a simple solution.  You may have to consider moving, changing vehicles, insurance, or even going from private school to home or public school.  Maybe you need to get a second job for a season of your life.  

    Once you make the necessary changes, you are able to find freedom in your budget.  The freedom comes with getting out of debt, giving more generously, or funding your goals without a loan.  The point is to get your income to balance with what you spend.  You don't want to be house or car poor.  That only puts stress on you and makes you a slave to the lender.

    The percentages of a budget help you stay in a healthy range, but are not absolutes.  Different incomes and households have different needs for survival and comfort in life.  On average you don't want your household expense to go over 32% of your net income.  If you are house poor (more than 35% of your net income), then that means you have to give up other areas in your budget like entertainment, clothes, or other.

    Child care or child expenses on average should not go over 7% of your net income.  However, if you do not have children, then what do you do with that money?  Change it to pets, put it toward business, entertainment, or somewhere else?  There are always exceptions to the general rule.  The most important thing is that your budget balances and works for your lifestyle.

Proverbs 13:18, 21:20-21, 22:6-9, 24:27, Luke 14:28-30, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, & 1 Timothy 6:17-19