do you stick to a strict monthly expenditure budget?

Singapore
June 7, 2007 2:57am CST
Just wondering, are you strict with your monthly expenditure? Do you withdraw a fixed amount in cash monthly and try to stay within that limit? Or do you spend on credit card and only take stock when the bill comes in? Or do you spend on credit cards but check the balance weekly etc to make sure you are spending within budget? Or do you account for your expenses on an excel sheet? I know someone during school days who used to do that. Some people spend first on big ticket items, then eat simply for the rest of the month. Some people live simply to save before spending on big ticket items. Some people spend on big items only when their bonus comes in, as a treat for themselves. How about you?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@applefreak (3130)
• Singapore
7 Jun 07
haha your friend during school days sound like me :p i have an excel worksheet which allows me to keep track of my credit card spending. i try to pay myself first thing when i receive my pay. then set aside whatever i have for bills, including last month's credit card bill. and the rest i'll spend on necessary things loh. now renovating my place so most of my credit card bill is related to things i bought for my new home. for big ticket items, i will only buy when necessary i.e. when the one i have is spoilt. i dun really go for the latest technology coz you need really deep pockets to do it. i mean, new products are coming out every other month, how many of us can afford to change tv, laptop, handphone, hi-fi that often??? so i rather pay for a quality product that fits my every need and buy again when this one retires.
1 person likes this
@KissThis (3003)
• United States
7 Jun 07
I am the type who budgets a certain amount of money towards certain things each month. I keep track of how much and what I am spending money on so that I make sure that I don't go over at any time. We save to be able to buy big ticket items. I don't believe in using credit cards so I personally don't have any. If I don't have the money for something then it means it will have to wait till I am able to afford it.
1 person likes this
@roniroxas (10560)
• Philippines
7 Jun 07
having four kids and they are all going to school i keep and i am strict with our monthly expenditures but it always goes beyond specially during school season. its hard to budget when with kids not like when im still single. but i am happy with them just not happy on how to handle expences because it is really a headache.
@ahgong (10064)
• Singapore
7 Jun 07
Having a budget is a good thing. Making it a point to plan for a budget every month is a good habit to have. I always plan for budgets every month and I try to stick to it. Sticking to a budget when one is single is so much easier. Now, having a family, it is a lot tougher to stick strictly to the budget I had planned. There are always some thing cropping up every now and then to turn your budget up side down. It is frustrating! It will get tougher if you have kids. I really admire those who can plan and stick to a budget! But continue trying, I will!
1 person likes this
@abrarr (1246)
• Pakistan
7 Jun 07
no never. i just spend when it is needed and don't even care that how much i'm spending. the thing i really care is my satisfaction and when i'm satisfied i stop spending!!
1 person likes this